Plagiarism and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in membership applications / registrations is taken seriously by the Institution. This policy applies to existing members of all grades, and where applicable, to those in the process of applying to become members. It supports sections 3bx and 3bxv of the Code of Conduct that require members to reject bribery and other corrupt practices, and to be mindful of the integrity expected of members of the Institution in their personal conduct.

Plagiarism and collusion

IChemE subscribes to Oxford University’s definition of plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement. All published and unpublished material, whether in manuscript, printed or electronic form, is covered under this definition. Plagiarism may be intentional or reckless, or unintentional.

Members must not plagiarise the work of others. No part of any report submitted as part of a member’s, or prospective member’s membership application to IChemE may be plagiarised.

Members and prospective members must also not be guilty of collusion:

Collusion is the act of collaborating with someone else on an assessment exercise which is intended to be wholly your own work, or the act of assisting someone else to commit plagiarism (Maguire, 2003).

Should there be concerns with material presented by a member or aspirant member in an application the Institution will investigate. This investigation can be carried out by a trained assessor or interviewer. If such an investigation shows significant levels of similarity with any unattributed sources the applicant will be contacted and asked to provide an explanation.

In the absence of an effective explanation, the matter will be referred in the first instance to the Qualifications Committee. In cases of plagiarism and/or collusion committed by non-members who are in the process of applying for membership, the Committee shall determine what action should be taken, including advising the applicant that no further membership applications will be accepted from the candidate.

In cases of plagiarism committed by a member, the Committee may decide to refer the matter to the Preliminary Investigation Committee as a potential breach of the Code of Professional Conduct.

Policy for applicants: Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Professional Review

Purpose

This policy sets out IChemE’s expectations regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preparation and submission of applications for professional membership and registration.

Its purpose is to ensure that all applications accurately reflect the applicant’s own professional competence, experience, and judgement, and that the integrity and fairness of the Professional Review process are maintained.

Definition of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to software systems capable of generating or significantly modifying human-like content in response to prompts. These tools may produce written text, summaries, or structured responses that resemble professional communication.

Examples include tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Grammarly.

Principles

Applicants must ensure that:

• all submitted material reflects their own professional experience and competence
• content is truthful, accurate, and not misleading
• they are able to explain and justify all aspects of their application during interview.

AI tools may support the presentation of information but must not replace the applicant’s own knowledge, understanding, or professional judgement.

Acceptable use of AI

Applicants may use AI tools in a limited capacity to support the clarity and presentation of their application. This includes:

• improving grammar, spelling, and readability
• structuring written responses
• assisting with language translation where appropriate.

Such use is acceptable only where the underlying content remains entirely the applicant’s own work and experience.

Unacceptable use of AI

The following uses are not permitted:

• generating or fabricating professional experience or competency evidence
• submitting AI-generated content as personal work
• using AI tools during the Professional Review Interview
• misrepresenting AI-assisted material as independent professional judgement.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in rejection of the application or referral to professional conduct procedures.

Assessment and verification by reviewers

As part of the Professional Review process, IChemE reviewers may take reasonable and proportionate steps to ensure that applications reflect genuine experience and competence.

Before the interview, applicants will be informed that:

• use of AI tools or external assistance during the interview is not permitted
• responses must reflect their own knowledge and experience
• they are expected to participate in an appropriate environment without external support.

During the interview, reviewers may:

• ask applicants to disable backgrounds or visual filters to maintain transparency during the interview
• ask probing and follow-up questions to explore depth of understanding
• request clarification, elaboration, or rephrasing of responses
• explore personal decision-making, reasoning, and contribution
• ask applicants to explain their experience in real time.

These approaches are used to confirm authenticity and are a standard part of professional assessment.

After the interview, where there are indications that the application may not reflect the applicant’s own work, reviewers may:

• record and review observations as part of the assessment process
• seek further clarification or request additional discussion
• recommend a follow-up interview which could also be face-to-face
• refer the application to the appropriate assessment panel for further consideration.

All such actions are undertaken in accordance with IChemE procedures and are based on professional judgement and evidence.

Applicant declaration

By submitting an application, applicants confirm that:

• the information provided is true, accurate, and based on their own experience
• any use of AI has been limited to acceptable purposes as outlined in this policy
• they are able to explain and justify all submitted content during assessment.

Applicants must also confirm that they have read and understood this policy. This will be completed through a declaration within the application system.