Research Governance
The University is committed to excellent research with integrity. In supporting its researchers to deliver this, it produces policies, procedures and codes of practice which set out the means and ways in which best practice can and should be realised and the behaviours needed to achieve this.
Researchers are responsible for the professional conduct and publication of their research, for the work of colleagues and students under their direction, and for the reporting of suspected conflicts of interest, poor practice or potential misconduct. Researchers should be aware of, and adhere to, current good practice and any statutory obligations relating to their research area.
Concordat
The University is a signatory to the Universities UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity and our procedures and processes are intended to embed integrity and ethical conduct into all our research practices.
The below is taken from the Concordat; the ways in which researchers, employers of researchers and funders of research are expected to meet the commitments.
The concordat seeks to provide a national framework for good research conduct and
its governance. As signatories to the concordat to support research integrity, we are
committed to:
- upholding the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research
- ensuring that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards
- supporting a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice, and support for the development of researchers
- using transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct should they arise
- working together to strengthen the integrity of research and to review progress regularly and openly
Annual Statement
In line with the Concordat commitments, the University publishes an annual statement of compliance.
After being signed off by the Academic Ethics & Integrity and Research, Enterprise & Innovation committees (committees of Senate), this statement is published internally and externally. Enquiries about the statement can be directed to the Research Governance & Policy team researchgovernance@salford.ac.uk.
Research Code of Practice
The University’s Research Code of Practice has been developed to promote good conduct and to ensure that research is of the highest quality. It is under regular review by the internal Research Governance Working Group. The current iteration was produced in August 2022 and further changes are anticipated for publication in spring 2023.
Academic Ethics Policy
The Academic Ethics Policy underpins the conduct of the University’s academic activities to ensure these activities are conducted to the highest ethical standards.
Policy and Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Misconduct in Research
The University’s Research Misconduct Policy and Procedure provides detail of the processes and procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of research misconduct.
Good Practice in Authorship of Research Publications User Guide
The Good Practice in Authorship of Research Publications User Guide provides guidance on good practice for writing and preparing publications.
Responsibility and Named Person
Overall responsibility for research integrity, governance and ethics sits with the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise. Any internal or external questions around research integrity may be addressed in the first instance to the Research Governance & Policy Manager in the Research & Enterprise Directorate.
The Research Governance Manager, Rachael McKittrick is the Named Person for reporting allegations of misconduct in research. Allegations of research misconduct should be sent in writing, with all available evidence, to: research-misconduct@salford.ac.uk. Informal discussions about research governance and policy may be directed to the Research Governance & Policy Team researchgovernance@salford.ac.uk.
Whistle Blowing
The University’s Whistle Blowing Policy allows staff and postgraduate research students (PGRs) to raise concerns about actions or behaviour when, owing to the nature or severity of the issue, it would be inappropriate to use normal channels. The Whistleblowing reporting line is to either the University General Counsel on ext. 56428 or to the independent external hotline (Expolink) on +44 (0)800 374 199.