Research misconduct and whistleblowing
Policies governing misconduct in research and whistleblowing.
Code of policy and procedures for investigating and resolving allegations of misconduct in research
You are expected to observe high standards of professional behaviour both in the practice and publication of your research. Any practice or conduct that seriously deviates from those ethical standards for proposing, conducting and publishing research constitutes research misconduct and a violation of University policy.
There are specific procedures for dealing with allegations of research misconduct involving research supported by funding from the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Allegations of research misconduct involving USPHS funds must be reported to Dr Neale Laker, Director of Academic & Corporate Governance, who will notify the United States Office of Research Integrity (ORI). The University will then work with the ORI to ensure that the process for responding to the allegation of research misconduct is consistent with U.S. federal regulations (see Appendix 2 of the above policy).
Whistleblowing policy
If you discover information which is believed to show malpractice or wrongdoing within the institution, then this information can be disclosed without fear of reprisal and may be made independently of line management. The code governing this process is intended to assist you if you believe that you have discovered malpractice or impropriety. It is not designed for the questioning of financial or business decisions taken by the University; nor may it be used to reconsider any matters which have already been addressed under other University processes or procedures (including grievance). The University will treat all such disclosures in a confidential and sensitive manner.
As noted in Part 2 of the policy, a disclosure should be made to the Responsible Officer, who will escalate to the Monitoring Officer; a detailed list of persons authorised to act in these capacities is set out in Annex A of the policy.