Ethical principles

The University is committed to ensuring that high ethical standards are embedded in everything it does, and has a series of ethical principles that inform the behaviour and actions of all members of the University community.

Those principles are as follows:

As active members of an international academic community, we are fundamentally committed to:

  • the creation, transmission and dissemination of knowledge for the social and economic enrichment of society
  • the Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
  • accepting our social, economic and environmental responsibilities and contributing to the wider goal of sustainable development
  • the protection of equity, human rights and civil liberties around the world, an
  • supporting the academic freedom to further knowledge and debate, within UK law.

As the representatives of a modern, progressive institution, we are also committed to:

  • excellence in all our activities
  • good governance and collegiate, transparent leadership
  • safe working practices
  • fair, rigorous and transparent processes and practice
  • encouraging social mobility and widening participation, and
  • regarding legal compliance as a minimum expectation but it may not be a sufficient response to an ethical challenge,

but we will not tolerate

  • initiation of or collusion in harmful acts,
  • giving, offering, receiving or requesting improper inducements to influence decisions affecting the interests of the University, or
  • retaliation or retribution against any person who in good faith challenges our ethical position.

Furthermore, as members of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community, we are committed to

  • Fostering a collegial community characterised by inclusivity, equality of opportunity, the valuing of diversity, mutual trust, respect for personal dignity and the promotion of unity across nations,
  • respect for our diverse local community
  • listening to all members of the university community, past and present
  • the promotion of health and well-being
  • valuing participation, dedication and honest endeavour, and
  • celebrating ever greater achievement and success fairly gained
  • demonstrating courage and consistency and transparency when facing challenging ethical dilemmas
  • choosing partners who share our ethical commitments, and
  • ensuring that all members of the university community embrace and promote these ethical principles.