# Codes and Policies
**Source**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/research/researchethics/codesandpolicies/#a0
**Parent**: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/oursite/privacy/research/#a6
## Integrity
[Annual Statement on Research Integrity](#a0)
Find out more about our work promoting research integrity in our current Annual Research Integrity Statements:
[Annual RI Statement 2024/25](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Research_Integrity_Annual_Statement_2024-25__version_1.0_approved_05112025.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2023/24](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Annual_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2023_24_V.10.12.24.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2022/23](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Annual_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2022_23_V1_06062022.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2021/22](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Annual_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2021_22_V1_06062022.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2020/21](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Annual_RI_statement_20-21_approved_for_publication.pdf)
[Annual RI statement 2019/20](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2019_20_.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2018/19](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2018_19_.pdf)
[Annual RI Statement 2017/18](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_Statement_on_Research_Integrity_2017_18_.pdf)
[Procedure for Allegations of Research Misconduct](#a1)
The [Procedure for investigating allegations of misconduct in research](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_Procedure_November_2023.pdf) outlines the process to be followed when allegations of misconduct in research are raised in relation to researchers and research that has occurred under the auspices of the University. It recognises that the investigation of allegations of research misconduct can involve complex issues and seeks to discharge the University of Exeter’s responsibilities to uphold the highest standards of research integrity sensitively, fairly and in accordance with the standards of the [Concordat to Support Research Integrity.](https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/topics/research-and-innovation/concordat-support-research-integrity)
The Russell Group has published a [statement of cooperation](https://russellgroup.ac.uk/policy/policy-documents/research-integrity-statement-of-cooperation/) in cross-institutional research misconduct allegations to ensure the integrity of research undertaken in their name.
[UUK Concordat to Support Research Integrity](#a2)
The [UUK Concordat to Support Research Integrity](https://ukcori.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Concordat-to-Support-Research-Integrity-2025.pdf) provides a national framework for good research conduct and its governance.
## Ethics
[Ethics Policy](#a0)
Our [Ethics Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Ethics_Policy_revised_Nov_2021.pdf) sets out the institution’s intention to promote the highest standards of scientific, scholarly and professional integrity.
[Research Ethics Framework](#a1)
We support researchers to work in accordance with the [Research Ethics Framework](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Revised_UoE_Research_Ethics_Framework_v1.2_111120221_for_publishing.pdf)
Please see below links to the Research Ethics Framework Appendices:
[Appendix A REC ToR and Membership template](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_A_REC_ToR_and_Membership_template_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.docx)
[Appendix B SOP template](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_B_SOP_template_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.docx)
[Appendix C Risk and Proportionate Review](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_C_Risk_and_Proportionate_Review_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.pdf)
[Appendix D UoE REC member JDs](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_D_UoE_REC_member_JDs_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.docx)
[Appendix E Independent member JD](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_E_Independent_member_JD_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.docx)
[Appendix F Workload Model Allocations](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_F_WLM_v1.1_07052021.pdf)
[Appendix G Training](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Appendix_G_Training_v1.2_11112022_for_publishing.pdf)
[Code of Good Practice in the Conduct of Research](#a2)
We support researchers to work in accordance with the University’s [Code of Good Practice in the Conduct of Research](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Code_of_Good_Practice_in_the_Conduct_of_Research_01-24.pdf). The Code sets out the expectations for all those conducting research on University premises or under the auspices of the University of Exeter.
[Policy on Working with Animals](#a3)
The University of Exeter has a [Policy on working with animals](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Policy_on_working_with_animals_FINAL_v3_(3).pdf). Other related policies on use of animals in research and teaching are available on our [SharePoint](https://universityofexeteruk.sharepoint.com/:u:/r/sites/REGComms/SitePages/University-Policies-on-using-animals-in-research-and-Teaching.aspx?csf=1&web=1&e=jLxGa6).
## Corporate
[Attribution Policy](#a0)
Our [Attribution Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/202310_University_of_Exeter_Attribution_Policy.pdf) defines the University of Exeter’s expectations around ensuring appropriate and fair attributions are given to all contributors to research, regardless of their relative status or position. It also aims to provide examples of what contributions to the work constitute authorship or acknowledgement in the publication of research outputs.
[Due Diligence](#a1)
The University seeks to promote the highest standards of scholarly and professional integrity and to give due consideration to the ethical, social and environmental issues arising from its activities. The University must maintain public trust in its activities and protect the institution and its staff from reputational damage and legal action.
We need to manage funding and contractual and commercial relationships in a transparent, and open manner, with appropriate due diligence informing ongoing decisions about whether to accept funding or pursue relationships.
Our [Due Diligence Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/Due_Diligence_Policy_v1.3.pdf) assists the development and acceptance of funding for research projects, studentships or consultancy, corporate partnerships or relationships and education contracts but will also be relevant to other proposed contractual relationships. It sets out the due diligence considerations and processes that should inform decisions. It also provides a link to guidance and resources for due diligence checks and refers to the overlapping concerns of bribery, fraud and money laundering.
The policy is relevant to all staff in the University, but is particularly important for academic and professional services staff who are involved in seeking funding and in developing relationships and projects with external organisations or individuals.’
[Privacy Notice for Research](#a2)
Our [Research Privacy Notice](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_Research_Generic_Privacy_Notice_v1.1_16012020.pdf) describes how the University will process personal data gathered by researchers and processed for the purposes of carrying out research in the public interest.
[Conflict of Interest Policy](#a3)
The University is committed to maintaining the highest standards and conducts its business in accordance with best practice in Higher Education corporate governance, and with the seven principles identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership). Everyone associated with the University should conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality and honesty at all times and should maintain high standards of propriety and professionalism. They should avoid situations where they, or the University, could be open to suspicion of dishonesty, and not put themselves in a position of conflict between their various activities.
Our [Conflict of Interest Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_CoI_V1.1_CC_GS_for_web_publication_04102018.pdf) explains what the University views as a Conflict of Interest and the procedure to follow where the possibility of a Conflict of Interest arising exists.
The [University of Exeter Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_NIH_FCOI_guidance_v3.0_final.pdf) exists to ensure that research is free from bias resulting from investigator’s commercial conflicts of interest. This policy aims to ensure research integrity by establishing standards to promote objectivity and provide a reasonable expectation that the design, conduct, and reporting of research funded US Public Health Service (PHS) funding bodies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is not jeopardised by a financial conflict of interest.
[Harassment and Bullying Procedures](#a4)
We are an inclusive community, where everyone has the right to be treated with respect. Harassment, bullying, intimidation and discrimination (for example racism, homophobia, sexual harassment) can be report via [Exeter Speaks Out](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/speakout/).
[Restricted Materials](#a5)
### “Restricted materials” means any materials that could be construed as illegal or raise suspicion of criminality by the police or the security forces.
### Find out more about [access to materials relating to terrorism.](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/departments/cgr/prevent/restrictedmaterials/)
## Clinical
[Clinical Trials Transparency Policy](#a0)
The University of Exeter [Clinical Trials Transparency Policy](https://www.exeter.ac.uk/v8media/universityofexeter/governanceandcompliance/researchethicsandgovernance/UoE_CT_transparency_policy_v2_August_2019_Final.pdf) applies to all researchers affiliated with the University of Exeter who are conducting clinical trials. We recognise the ethical imperative to publish results and that poor allocation of resources, or sub-optimal regulatory and public health recommendations, may occur when decisions are based on only a subset of completed clinical trials.