University of the West of Scotland is committed to promoting and upholding the highest quality academic and ethical standards in all scientific research activities. Governance and integrity are essential to ensure the rights of research participants are safeguarded.
The University has developed research governance and ethics procedures which recognise the importance of addressing ethical matters (including publication ethics, general principles of data confidentiality and access), while supporting the achievement of its collective research objectives.
Refer to our Policies, Procedures and Guidance pages for further information on the institution's regulations.
Oversight of Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is overseen by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Robert MacIntosh (Email: Robert.MacIntosh@uws.ac.uk).
The administrative lead for anyone wanting more information on matters of integrity is the Head of Research, Helen Kennedy (Email integrity@uws.ac.uk) and queries should be directed to Helen in the first instance.
Research Excellence
UWS adheres to a number of external concordats to ensure an environment of research excellence, including:
- Governance of Good Research Conduct
- Concordat to support Research Integrity
- Concordat on Open Research Data
- Concordat for Engaging the Public on Research
- Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers
- Nolan Principles
- Technician Commitment
- UKRI Statement of Expectations for Equality and Diversity
Research Integrity and Ethics
The University expects the highest standards in the conduct of all research undertaken in its name and on its premises using its facilities. This includes research undertaken by staff, students, honorary, visiting or emeritus staff, associates, contractors and consultants.
Specific policies, procedures and guidelines related to research integrity are available on the Policies, Procedures and Guidance pages on this website.
The University is a signatory to the UK Concordat to support research integrity (2019) and is committed to its five core principles: honesty, rigour, transparency and open communication, care and respect, and accountability.
In line with the Concordat to support Research Integrity, the University presents a short annual statement on research integrity and misconduct to its governing body. Statements from previous years are found below.
Annual Statement on Research Integrity
The Annual Statement on Research Integrity forms part of the University’s commitment to outline the actions and initiatives to sustain and enhance the integrity of the University’s research.
This statement has been reviewed by the University Academic Integrity and Ethics Committee and approved by the Court of the University of the West of Scotland.
Statement on Research Integrity for academic year 2023-2024 (PDF)
Statement on Research INtegrity for Academic Year 2022-23 (pdf)
Statement on Research Integrity for Academic Year 2021-22 (pdf)
Statement on Research Integrity for Academic Year 2020-21 (pdf)
UWS Academic Freedom Statement
The following Academic Freedom Statament provides clarity and guidance on the boundaries within which UWS students and academic colleagues may operate without fear of censorship, discimination or repression.
Senate-approved Statement - March 2025
Following the UNESCO’s Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel (1997), UWS students and colleagues are free within the law to:
- teach and discuss
- carry out research and disseminate and publish the results
- express freely their opinion
- participate in professional or representative academic bodies
and do any or all of these without fear of institutional censorship, discrimination or repression.
We exercise the academic freedom in line with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Guidelines as well as Dignity and Respect at Work Guidelines and the UWS Code of Research Practice and Research Ethics by recognising that we:
- are committed to advancing and promoting equality and diversity in all of our activities
- aim to establish an inclusive culture, free from discrimination and with everyone having the right to be treated with dignity and respect
- support a working environment that is free from harassment, bullying and unlawful discrimination
- are committed to promoting freedom of speech
Approved by Senate 26th March 2025
Academic Integrity Charter
UWS has signed up to the QAA Academic Integrity Charter. The Charter provides the baseline position for UWS to continue to develop our own high standards and outstanding quality procedures and practices to ensure every student’s qualification is genuine, verifiable and respected
Commitment to GDPR
The Data Protection Code of Practice is in place to make sure everyone, staff and students understands the way in which data protection applies to their roles within the University. It also makes sure we meet the requirements set out in Article 24(2) of the GDPR, which requires the University, as a data controller, to have in place an appropriate data protection policy to make sure we meet our obligations under the legislation. It also applies to any third parties who process data on behalf of UWS.
Last updated: 02/07/2025