1. Purpose
This policy provides clear guidance on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Grammarly, etc.) by learners. It balances innovation in learning with the need to ensure academic integrity, valid assessment, and compliance with professional standards (HCPC, College of Paramedics, QAA).
2. Principles
- Transparency: Students must always declare when and how AI tools have been used.
- Integrity: Submitted work must reflect the student’s own knowledge, skills, and judgement.
- Validity: Assessments must remain a true measure of student achievement of learning outcomes and HCPC Standards of Proficiency.
- Equity: AI use must not advantage or disadvantage students unfairly.
- Professionalism: Students are expected to use AI responsibly, mirroring the professional conduct expected of registrants.
3. Permitted Use of AI
AI tools may be used for:
- Study support: summarising articles, generating study questions, explaining concepts, practising scenarios.
- Writing support: improving grammar, structure, and clarity.
- Simulation: practising patient communication or clinical reasoning in a safe environment.
4. Prohibited Use of AI
AI must not be used for:
- Generating full or partial assessments that are presented as the student’s own work.
- Producing falsified references, patient records, case studies, or data.
- Circumventing learning by outsourcing critical thinking, problem-solving, or reflective practice.
5. Declaration Requirement
- Every written assessment must include a short AI Use Statement, e.g.:
“I confirm that this work is my own. AI tools were used only for grammar checking and summarising articles. No AI-generated text, data, or references have been submitted as my own original work.” - A standard declaration box will be provided in submission templates (Moodle, Mahara portfolio).
6. Safeguards and Verification
- Assessment design will emphasise authenticity, e.g.: OSCEs, vivas, reflective writing, case-based discussions, portfolios, and observed practice, making AI misuse less relevant.
- Turnitin + AI detection tools may be used to identify irregularities.
- Vivas / oral defences may be required if a submission is suspected of inappropriate AI use.
- Cross-checking against practice educator sign-off (PAD) ensures that competence is demonstrated in practice, not just in writing.
7. Consequences of Breach
Inappropriate or undeclared use of AI will be treated as academic misconduct under the programme’s professional misconduct and suitability regulations, with possible outcomes including:
- Re-submission
- Formal warning
- Referral to fitness-to-practise / misconduct panel
8. Staff Responsibilities
- Tutors and assessors will design assessments that measure application of knowledge in practice, reducing opportunities for AI misuse.
- Staff will educate students on appropriate AI use at induction and during formative assessments.
- Moderation and external examiner processes will review AI declarations.
9. Student Responsibilities
- Be transparent about AI use.
- Ensure submitted work is their own.
- Seek clarification from tutors if uncertain about appropriate AI use.
- Engage in digital literacy training provided as part of the programme.
10. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, in line with HCPC, QAA, and College of Paramedics updates, and adjusted as AI technologies evolve.