As an APP, Adventure in Wine is required to identify to WSET and assist in managing or monitoring actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest (‘Conflicts of Interest’) involving both APP staff and students. This policy complements WSET’s conflicts of interest policy and works to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and promote confidence in WSET and Adventure in Wine’s processes and procedures.

This policy applies to all Adventure in Wine’s staff and students and to any individual acting on behalf of Adventure in Wine.

A Conflict of Interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgment, objectivity or loyalty to WSET or Adventure in Wine when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications.

Examples of Conflicts of Interest include:

• The assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned;

• The moderation of assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned;

• The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by an APP;

• The employment by an APP of individuals engaged in the delivery of taught programs or in the role of internal assessor in another APP; and

• The investigation of a non-compliance incident by someone who is unable to act impartially.

  Some of these Conflicts of Interest are manageable and therefore acceptable. For example, if family member of one of Adventure in Wine’s educators or APP staff takes a qualification and exam through Adventure in Wine, or when an employee of Adventure in Wine or of the WSET, takes a WSET qualification through Adventure in Wine, we can notify WSET in advance and work with them to put in place measures to maintain the integrity of the exam.

  Some Conflicts of Interest are not manageable and are not acceptable. For example, no mitigation efforts overcome the conflict created when an individual when a single individual serves as the educator and exam officer of an exam for a family member where an external invigilator is not available.

  Any staff member or student of Adventure in Wine who becomes aware of a Conflict of Interest must inform Michelle Paris at michelle@adventureinwine.com as soon as possible. Michelle Paris will inform WSET of the possible conflict of interest and will work with WSET to put any protective or mitigating measures in place to manage the conflict on a case-by-case basis. If WSET and Adventure in Wine determine the conflict is not manageable, Michelle Paris will inform any impacted APP staff or students.

  Please note that the failure to declare a conflict of interest may have consequences for the student orAdventure in Wine because we are required to report conflicts to WSET.