Working transparently and ethically |

Principle 4:

Working transparently and ethically

Knowledge exchange is a recognised part of the overall university strategy. We have a clear understanding of the institutional role and the purpose of KE and whom the intended beneficiaries are.

Clarity of mission is essential for efficient and effective knowledge exchange. University staff, students and external organisations need to understand the aims and priorities of senior university leaders and governors in relation to the whole range of knowledge exchange activities undertaken by the institution.

Key enablers could include :

COMMUNICATION

Communication to beneficiaries on the institutional approach to KE and collaboration as publicly funded institutions is clear and within legal guidelines and requirements.

TRANSPARENT

Published and transparent policies on intellectual property rights (IPR), liabilities and warranties in relation to access by third parties as a result of licensing agreements or the outcomes of collaborative research.

REQUIREMENTS

Where relevant, there is clear communication to partners and/or beneficiaries on the requirements upon it as a charitable organisation to use IP arising from KE for non-commercial teaching, research or professional practice, also stating the importance of publishing the outcomes of research and KE, supported by public investment.

ETHICAL

Published mechanisms used to assure the ethical integrity and quality of its research, teaching and KE, and which reserve the right to decline work that cannot meet these standards.

RESPECT

There is respect for partner confidentiality, including in the use of appropriate formal agreements.

OPPORTUNITIES

Formal mechanisms are in place to ensure that where we cannot provide solutions that we can refer opportunities to those in our networks who can