NOCN Introduces New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

NOCN Introduces New Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for Training Providers

In response to the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and training, NOCN has released a new AI Policy and Procedure. This policy provides clear guidance for training providers and construction companies delivering NOCN qualifications, assured courses, and End Point Assessments.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Understanding and Mitigating AI Risks

The policy outlines NOCN’s stance on AI usage, emphasising the importance of addressing risks associated with AI to maintain the integrity of qualifications and assessments. Key concerns include:

• Assessment Validity: Ensuring that outcomes remain accurate and credible.
• Material Security: Preventing the unauthorised dissemination of assessment content.

NOCN expects training providers to embed AI risk mitigation into their quality assurance processes and adapt their policies to evolving AI technology.

Permitted and prohibited uses of AI

The policy allows AI as a supportive tool but prohibits its misuse. Examples include:

• Permitted Uses: Summarising content, gathering research, or generating draft documents – provided these outputs are reviewed for accuracy and appropriately referenced.
• Misuse Examples: Using AI to complete assessments meant to be unaided, plagiarising AI-generated content, or sharing confidential assessment material with AI platforms.

Misuse of AI will be treated as malpractice under the NOCN Malpractice and Maladministration Policy, and violations could lead to invalidation of assessments or other sanctions.

Promoting Health and Safety through authentic learning

 One of the core goals of this policy is to ensure that learning and assessments reflect the true understanding and competency of learners. For construction companies, this has critical health and safety implications:

• Improved Safety Outcomes: Authentic assessments ensure that operatives genuinely understand safety procedures, reducing the risk of accidents on-site.
• Real-World Readiness: By preventing AI misuse, the policy ensures learners develop the practical skills and knowledge required to perform safely and effectively in their roles.
• Strengthened Compliance: Companies can demonstrate adherence to regulatory standards, boosting their credibility and commitment to workplace safety.

Responsibilities for Centres and Training Providers

NOCN requires all approved centres to:

• Educate Stakeholders: Inform staff, learners, and apprentices about appropriate AI usage and the consequences of misuse.
• Adapt Quality Systems: Embed AI considerations into risk registers, management meetings, and training policies.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Avoid inputting sensitive information, including assessment content, into AI systems to comply with data protection regulations.
• Monitor and Investigate: Actively observe assessment activities, use tools like Turnitin or GPTZero to identify AI misuse, and report incidents to NOCN.

Benefits of Compliant AI Use

Properly utilised, AI offers significant benefits for training providers:

• Streamlining research and administrative tasks.
• Enhancing learning experiences through tailored guidance.
• Supporting the development of policies and training materials.
• Ensuring Authentic Competency: By preventing misuse, AI policies reinforce the credibility of qualifications, ensuring learners meet industry safety and performance standards.

Key Reminders for Construction Companies

Renew Assessment Protocols: Ensure all examinations and assessments are conducted under the required conditions without unauthorised AI use.

• Focus on Health and Safety: Embed the policy to ensure operatives genuinely understand safety-critical tasks, reducing on-site risks.
• Report Incidents: Any suspected misuse of AI must be reported using the NOCN Notification of Suspected Malpractice Form.

NOCN encourages training providers and employers to:

• Review the Full AI Policy: Share it with your quality and delivery staff to ensure alignment with the updated guidelines.
• Implement Mitigation Strategies: Include AI considerations in your risk management and quality assurance frameworks.
• Engage with NOCN: Share your experiences and best practices to help develop a collaborative approach to managing AI risks.

For further information or to access the full policy, contact the NOCN Regulation and Compliance Team at [email protected].

By embracing these updates, companies and training providers can harness AI’s potential while ensuring health and safety standards, authentic learning, and compliance with NOCN requirements.