University Ethics
At UWS we’re committed to ethical behaviour in all we do.
All students and staff must strive to meet the highest standards of academic rigour and professionalism. This includes integrity in research and education.
Our code of ethics sets out our approach. It outlines:
- how we raise the ethical awareness of staff and students
- the policies and guidelines we follow
- how we monitor the ethical dimension of our activities
UWS Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics establishes the University’s approach to raising the ethical awareness of staff and students, and ensuring that all that we do is underpinned by global and future-focussed principles of fairness and opportunity. This Code includes references to our policies and guidelines that implement our commitment to these principles. It also sets out the mechanisms for ethical monitoring and review of all our activities.
Download the UWS Code of Ethics (pdf)Ethical Research
At UWS we're committed to conducting education, research and enterprise activities to the highest standard of rigour and professionalism. This includes integrity in all of our research activities.
Incorporating Ethical Awareness
UWS students and staff undertaking research projects or degrees must be aware of any/all ethical issues associated with their project and of the appropriate channels for seeking ethical approval.
All of our research activities must conform to national legislation, all relevant national and international codes of practice, and the policies and guidelines of the University.
The University Academic & Ethics Committee (UAIEC) UAIEC will consider general ethical issues relating to University activity, specifically, but not exclusively research activity. The Committee does not consider applications for ethical approval but it oversees the Appeals process. The Committee monitors the quality of ethical applications and ensures the approval process is conducted in a fair and independent manner.
UAIEC & School Ethics Committees
Academic Schools operate their own School Ethics Committees (SEC) which report into the UAIEC.
All research applications for ethical approval will be considered by the relevant school committee/contact (see below).
Ethics Committees
The University Academic Integrity & Ethics Committee oversees our general approach. It receives reports from ethics committees in each of the academic Schools. The University Academic Integrity & Ethics Committee oversees the Appeals process.
- UWS Guidelines for Research and Scholarship (pdf)
- UWS Academic Integrity and Ethics Committee (pdf)
- Ethics Appeals Procedure (pdf)
- School of Business and Creative Industries (pdf)
- School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences (pdf)
- School of Education and Social Sciences (pdf)
- School of Health and Life Sciences (pdf)
Submitting an Ethics Review Application
UWS uses an online system to enable you to submit applications for ethical approval to conduct research - Ethical Review Manager (ERM) System. Your ERM application can be saved and completed in stages then submitted when all the information has been populated. You can also upload supporting documents. A built-in workflow will send any submitted applications to the Chair of the Ethics Review Committee for your School who will make a decision on your application. You will receive an email to inform you of any progress updates regarding your application submission.
Download UWS Ethical Review Manager (ERM) System Guide (pdf)Privacy Impact Assessments
In some circumstances a Privacy Impact Assessment may also need to be completed. The purpose of the PIA is to ensure that data privacy risks are minimised while allowing the aims of the research project to be met whenever possible. The University has a template Privacy Impact Assessment which should be completed if the research being carried out meets certain criteria. This will flag any data privacy considerations that need to be given consideration. Further information is available about whether you need to complete a Privacy Impact Assessment along with a copy of the template PIA and Privacy Notice.
You can also view a general guidance on how GDPR impacts on Research activities.
School Ethics Committee Guidelines
School of Business and Creative Industries
An overview and guidance to the approach adopted within the School of Business and Creative Industries for ethical scrutiny/approval of all research and scholarly activities.
Read more
School of Education and Social Sciences
These guidelines present an ethical framework and procedures for the conduct of all academic activity to identify ethical considerations that should be addressed through the formal approval process.
Read more
School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
These guidelines outline the ethical approval process required for all research based activities (commercial and consultancy work as well as doctoral and student projects) undertaken in the Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences.
Read more
School of Health and Life Sciences
These guidelines outline the ethical consideration and review processes that are required for all health-related projects undertaken in an academic context.
Read moreSchool contact
School of Business & Creative Industries
School of Education & Social Sciences
School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
School of Health & Life Sciences
Additional Sources of Information
Contacts
Chair of University Academic Integrity & Ethics Committee: Professor Milan Radosavljevic; email: Milan.radosavljevic@uws.ac.uk
Last updated: 23/08/2022