Purpose and scope

Grande Passione is a WSET Approved Programme Provider (APP no. 3119) and organises its courses at Atelier del Vino in Verona.

Grande Passione identifies and reports to WSET conflicts of interest that could compromise the impartiality of courses and exams. This policy safeguards the integrity of WSET qualifications and applies to educators, staff, students and anyone acting on behalf of Grande Passione.

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest arises when personal or professional interests or relationships could influence someone’s judgement or impartiality in activities relating to WSET qualifications.

A conflict may be:

• Actual: interests or relationships could influence impartiality when carrying out activities.
• Potential: the situation could create a conflict in the future.
• Perceived: the situation could reasonably appear to compromise impartiality, whether or not this is the case.

Examples include:

• Assessing a candidate when the assessor has a personal interest in the outcome.
• A member of Grande Passione’s team taking a WSET course or exam through Grande Passione.
• Invigilating an exam after teaching the candidates taking it.
• Handling a report or concern when the person responsible cannot act impartially.

How are conflicts managed?

A conflict does not necessarily imply wrongdoing. Some conflicts can be managed through measures agreed with WSET; others are unacceptable.

For example, a team member may be permitted to take a WSET qualification with prior approval and appropriate safeguards. However, someone involved in writing exam questions or compiling exam papers must not teach or coach candidates.

Grande Passione promptly reports actual, potential and perceived conflicts in writing to WSET’s Governance team and cooperates in implementing the necessary measures. It does not consider a conflict resolved without WSET’s involvement.

If a team member wishes to take a qualification through Grande Passione, the situation is referred to WSET before the exam order is placed, and the necessary permissions are obtained.

Grande Passione keeps a record of reports and measures taken and informs those affected of decisions relevant to them. Failure to disclose a conflict may lead to action under WSET policies.

How to report a possible conflict

Contact JC Viens as soon as possible at contact@grandepassione.com, describing the situation, the people involved and the relevant course or exam.

If the concern involves JC Viens directly, or you believe Grande Passione cannot handle it impartially, you may contact WSET’s Governance team at governance@wsetglobal.com.

Responsibility and review

Policy owner: JC Viens, Grande Passione — WSET APP no. 3119.
Version: 1.0 — September 2026.

This policy is reviewed annually and updated when WSET requirements or Grande Passione’s operating arrangements change.