Our Code of Ethics is our commitment to sound corporate governance and to high standards of ethical conduct in all our activities.

This Code sets out the standards of behaviour essential to the life and operation of the University across all its activities. It applies to all staff, including Emeritus Professors, honorary and visiting staff, students and governors of the University, who must act responsibly and ethically in accordance with the seven principles of public life set out by the Nolan Committee: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. It applies to all conduct and interactions whether undertaken in person or online. This means that the same level of integrity, respect and care are required for exchanges, synchronous or asynchronous, in a digital environment as for physical meetings.

Ethical conduct means acting consistently in a way that upholds our values and is honest, transparent and fair, encouraging others to do likewise.

Our shared values affirm our commitment to the following Values of the University Strategy 2021-26:

• delivering quality and excellence, whilst being quick to listen and learn;
• nurturing high aspirations, for the benefit of all;
• aspiring to the highest standards of scientific, ethical and professional integrity, whilst supporting the freedom to challenge received wisdom;
• supporting a sustainable community and adopting best environmental practice; and,
• fostering inclusion, equality, diversity and accessibility where the unique value of each individual is recognised as we build a community of trust and care by treating each other with respect.

We uphold our values and the seven principles of public life through our policies, procedures, actions and guidance. What the Nolan principles mean in the context of our University and how they infuse our practices is illustrated below by the information links:

Selflessness:

to set aside personal interests in order to work with the University for the benefit and care of students, staff and community, and in support of the wider common good

• Public Benefit Statement
• University of Sanctuary
• Civic and Community Engagement
• Volunteering opportunities
• Wellbeing Champions
• Management of conflicts of Interest
• Payroll Charitable Giving (Charities Aid Foundation)

Integrity:

to maintain independence, be honest and truthful and act in line with statutory and University policies

• Research Integrity and Ethics
• Code of Good Practice in Research Integrity
• Ethical Scholar Toolkit
• Academic Integrity Training and Test
• Quality Assurance Code of Practice
• Conflicts of Interest, Gifts and Hospitality, Private Work
• Ethical Fundraising Policy
• Dignity and Respect Policy
• Personal and Professional Relationships
• Climate Change Action Framework

Objectivity:

to behave with consistency, treat others appropriately and provide opportunity and access for all

• Access and Participation Plan
• Unconscious Bias e-course
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Senior Independent Director
• Appeals and complaints processes – student complaints, discipline and academic appeal processes, staff grievance policy and procedure and staff disciplinary policy and procedures

Accountability:

to be aware of individual and corporate responsibilities

• Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblowing) Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Data Protection
• Report and Support and Be the Change
• Financial Regulations
• Regulations for Students

Openness:

to promote transparency in all our activities and uphold freedom of speech within the law

• Council publication framework
• Academic Freedom
• Freedom of Expression
• Public Engagement with Research
• Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
• Student Voice Framework
• Facts and Figures

Honesty:

to be honest and truthful, act with probity and manage any conflicts of interest

• Financial policies
• Copyright
• Business ethics and fraud policy

Leadership:

to ensure all actions are undertaken in accordance with legal, regulatory and institutional requirements and to foster the wellbeing and talents of all members of the University community

• Effective Behaviours Framework
• Staff Development Toolkit
• Council member job specification
• Annual Report and Accounts
• Governance Structure
• Senior Management Team

Background Note

There are a number of committees, groups and individuals in the University with ethics responsibilities. The major ones are:

• Academic Ethics and Integrity Committee (AEIC) – (reporting to Senate) will normally consider ethics issues arising from research and teaching.

There is a new Research Ethics Governance process developed by the PVC (R)’s office and Chair of AE&IC which will introduce a more unified approach to research ethics for staff and students. This work will be supported through a number of sub committees.

• Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body – (reporting to AEIC and UEB) is responsible for reviewing and monitoring animal research and promoting a ‘culture of care’ within the University
• Standing Group for Financial Probity - (reporting to UEB) has responsibility for institutional engagement with the Bribery Act, Criminal Finances Act, Anti-Money Laundering Regulations.

While Council, the Vice Chancellor and Senate have particular responsibilities with regards to ethics, the University community as a whole has a responsibility to be mindful of ethical considerations, both in individual decision making and collective decision-making through the University committee structure.

Document control

Owner: Head of Governance
Approval date: 30 June 2021
Date of next review: 2024
Approved by: University Ethics Committee