Faculty of Education: Ethical Guidelines
POLICY R001
Policy Date: July 2010
All faculty members (both staff and student) are expected to conduct their research in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the British Educational Research Association (Read Online or Download), also taking account, where appropriate to the nature of the research being undertaken, of the ethical guidelines of other learned societies such as the British Psychological Association (www.bps.org.uk) or the British Sociological Association (www.britsoc.co.uk). Please see the Forms and Resources section for Research Ethics resources.
Standing Panel on Research Ethics
At its meeting on 22nd October, 2002 Research Committee agreed to set up a Standing Panel on Research Ethics. This would be convened on an ‘as necessary’ basis. Membership of the Panel would consist of the Head of Faculty and all the Professors, Readers, Senior Lecturers and Senior Research Associates within the Faculty.
In the event of an ‘ethical issue’ being raised, the Dean of Research would arrange for 3 members of the panel (to include at least one Professor or Reader) unconnected with the concern being raised, to meet to discuss the issue(s). They would then be asked to make a short report and recommendation to the Dean who would decide whether the matter needed to be referred to Research Committee for a final decision. The Head of Faculty would replace the Dean in any case where the Dean could be said to have an interest.
It would be open to any member of the Faculty (staff or students) to raise issues with the Panel. The Panel would also respond to concerns raised by individuals outside the Faculty.
The primary source of reference for the Panel would be the latest version of the Ethical Guidelines drawn up by the British Educational Research Association. The Panel would have discretion to refer to the guidelines of bodies (such as the British Psychological Society or the British Sociological Association) in those instances where, in its judgement, these were more appropriate.
Review Date: July 2011
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