Annual statement on research integrity

Annual Statement on Research Integrity, 2024/2025

The Resolution Foundation expects all researchers to observe the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of their research. Research carried out with a high level of integrity is more trustworthy – and trusted – by other researchers, by users of research and by society in general, and it upholds values of honesty, rigour, transparency and open communication, as well as care and respect for those involved in research, and accountability for a positive research environment. These values, and the behaviours they instil, are central to a healthy research culture, and form the basis of the Foundation’s policy and practice in this area.

The Foundation, like the research community generally, is overwhelmingly motivated by these values. However, systemic pressures, such as procedural deficits or incentives offered to researchers and research organisations, can make it difficult to uphold these principles. The purpose of this annual statement is to confirm the standard all Foundation researchers are expected to uphold, the procedures in place to ensure researchers observe the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of all Foundation research, and to highlight any instances of research misconduct investigated during the year.

Summary of actions and activities that have been undertaken to support and strengthen understanding and the application of research integrity issues

The Foundation’s Research Procedure and Data Management Policies codify our commitment to meeting the standards outlined in the UKRI’s Concordat on Open Data, the UKRI’s Policy and Guidelines on Governance of Good Research Conduct, the UK Universities Concordant for Research Integrity and the FAIR principles. We also support the principles outlined in the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Research Data Policy (July 2021), the guidelines and principles set out in the Social Policy Association’s Guidelines on Research Ethics, the Social Research Association’s Research Ethics Guidance,  the UK Data Service guidelines on managing and sharing data, and the Concordat for Engaging the Public with Research.

Our Research Procedure and Data Management framework has been designed to assimilate the full range of our obligations under these guidelines into our policies and procedures, and to clarify the responsibilities of Foundation researchers. The Foundation is fully aware that putting these policies into practice is something that requires ongoing efforts across the organisation, and that is a collegial endeavour. During the year, we continued to ensure key aspects of these standards are codified into our working practices, including expanding the range of reporting mechanisms available, and we continued to provide appropriate training and guidance to the research team.

The Foundation expects all researchers conducting research on Foundation premises or using Foundation facilities to observe the commitments outlined in the Research Integrity Policy. Researchers must also comply with the policies and procedures detailed in the Research Policy Framework, and other relevant internal guidance that may be communicated from time to time.

Procedure for dealing with allegations of misconduct

The Foundation is committed to ensuring that all allegations of Misconduct in Research are assessed and, where the Chief Executive / Deputy Chief Executive determine that further investigation is required, investigated thoroughly, fairly, in a timely manner, and with care and sensitivity in accordance with the Procedure outlined in the Research Misconduct Policy. The Foundation recognises that academic freedom is fundamental to the production of excellent research, and this means that responsibility for ensuring that no misconduct occurs rests primarily with individual researchers. All employees are aware of their responsibility to report any well-founded allegations of Misconduct in Research, whether this has been witnessed, or is suspected.

In research, situations may arise that might present as misconduct but are the result of either a misunderstanding or a dispute between individuals. It may be possible to mediate or resolve such differences and this will be considered and explored where appropriate. Formal investigation procedures will only be instigated if the informal route is inappropriate due to the seriousness of the allegation, or where mediation or arbitration has been refused or proved unsuccessful.

During the period October 2024 – September 2025 no incidences of research misconduct were reported.