Research Integrity


All research carried out at the University of South Wales is underpinned with common values of rigour, integrity and professionalism.

As required by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), the University is committed to complying fully with the Universities UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity. 

Here are our annual statements on compliance:


Frameworks for Good Research Practice are not limited to Universities UK and HEFCW.

USW subscribes to the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research and all Health Research conducted by the University must comply with the Framework for Health and Social Care Research (UK Government). 

The Pro Vice Chancellor for Research oversees research integrity and ensures that this information is kept up to date and publicly available.

The Research Governance Manager is the first point of contact for those seeking information about Research Integrity or any related matters. 

Individuals who wish to raise concerns in confidence about the integrity of any research being undertaken by the University of South Wales are invited to contact the Head of Research and Innovation Services.

Relevant policies

The University is committed to the following principles of good research practice.

These are laid out in our USW Research Good Practice Code of Conduct which stipulates:

  • That our research is underpinned with common values of rigour and integrity

  • That we nurture a research environment that supports research of the highest standards of rigour and integrity

  • That our research and innovation activity complies with all ethical, legal and professional obligations

  • That we use transparent, robust and fair processes to handle allegations of misconduct

  • That we continue to monitor, and where necessary improve, the suitability and appropriateness of the mechanisms in place to provide assurances over the integrity of research
The University has robust mechanisms in place for dealing with allegations of academic misconduct, and clearly defined ethical approval process for staff and students.

Where required, all academic staff and students are required to apply for research ethics approval prior to any related activity taking place.

All faculties have Faculty Research Ethics Committees and these are led by a Faculty Research Ethics Chair. The Research Ethics arrangements can be accessed on our staff intranet.

Comprehensive training on research ethics and integrity for staff and students is available via the Research and Innovation Development Programme.

Please log in to the staff intranet to access the research governance pages, policies and guidance on:

  • Good Research Practice Code of Conduct
  • University Research Ethics Policy,  
  • Publication and Authorship guidance
  • Research Misconduct - procedure for reporting and investigating,  
  • Whistleblowing policy
  • Data Protection (GDPR)
  • Research Data Management,  
  • Open Access
  • PREVENT Protocol for security related research
  • Research Risk Matrix for pre award approval of research intended for overseas or poses significant risk to researchers, participants, or institution. 

Contact

If you would like further details on any of the policies and procedures mentioned here, please contact Jonathan Sinfield, Research Governance Manager.