Ethical compliance
Oversight on ethical matters across the institution is shared across several University departments covering academic research, learning and teaching, operations and investments.
The University’s Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability purpose is to support the University to make outstanding positive impacts for society, nature and the wider economy. We provide leadership, advice, deliver major projects and support the embedding of practical action across the University community.
Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Academic research
The Edinburgh Research Office provides Information for researchers on relevant policies, codes of practice, training, guidance and support on research integrity. Research integrity
The University of Edinburgh's Research Ethics Policy articulates the ethical principles, procedures, and expectations that inform the conduct of research activities undertaken by University of Edinburgh staff and students.
The Research Ethics and Integrity Review Group ensures that research integrity and governance has a strong profile at Edinburgh and is firmly embedded in the University’s ethos and culture.
Research Ethics and Integrity Review Group (REIRG)
The research ethics review process is designed to support researchers in managing risks associated with their research, and to ensure the highest professional standards in designing, conducting and disseminating research. The University of Edinburgh adheres to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research and the Universities UK (UUK) Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research [external]
Universities UK (UUK) Concordat to Support Research Integrity [external]
Learning and Teaching
The Institute of Academic Development has worked with key stakeholders across the University to develop a coherent overarching framework for Continuous Professional Development for learning and teaching, mapped against the UK Professional Standards Framework.
CPD framework: learning and teaching
Academic Services leads on the University’s academic regulatory framework which sets out in its regulations, codes of practice and guidance. This includes ethical guidance on learning and assessment and regulations (including the accessible and inclusive learning policy).
Operations
Human Resources are responsible for a range of policies and procedures to support a positive ethical values based culture at the University through recruitment and employment conditions (including conflicts of interest).
Conditions of Service and other Policies
Discipline, Grievance, Capability
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness.
One of the aims of the University’s People Strategy is that “the University Values and Behaviours are visible in all our work.”
Investments
The University increasingly manages its investments to support environmentally and socially positive activities, thus contributing to a more sustainable global financial system.
The Responsible Investment Policy Statement summarises the approach the University takes to responsible investing, and highlights the progress made along with actions planned in response to policy decisions and strategic objectives relating to environmental, social and governance considerations.
The Policy Statement was developed and reviewed by the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and is overseen by the University’s Investment Committee.
The University of Edinburgh Development Trust is a charitable body tasked with receiving, administering and applying any funds and properties donated for the benefit of the University of Edinburgh.
The Trust reviews donations against a range of criteria, including ethical, by following the Procedures for the Due Diligence Review of Donations.
