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Ethics Statement

Purpose and Scope

Kingston University is committed to fostering a culture in which ethical behaviour,

integrity and respect guide all aspects of its work. This Statement sets out the ethical

principles, standards and expectations that apply to all activities conducted by or on

behalf of the University. It applies to all members of the University, including staff,

students, governors, contractors and others acting on behalf of the University.

Within this policy, provisions expressed as “must” denote requirements that are

essential for the University to meet its legal, regulatory and compliance obligations.

Provisions expressed as “should” denote expected good practice that should be

followed but that may, in justified circumstances, be varied according to context and

proportionality, provided that this is supported by a clear, reasoned and transparent

explanation for any departure.

Our Charitable Status

As a charity, the University must always act to advance its charitable purpose of

education for the public benefit.

All members of the University, as custodians of charitable assets and public trust,

must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, protect the University’s

reputation, comply with legal and regulatory obligations, and ensure that their

decisions and actions are consistent with the University’s charitable purpose,

including its long-term responsibilities to society, the environment and future

generations.

Our Ethical Principles

Ethical principles are the fundamental standards that guide individuals and

organisations in determining conduct that is right, fair and responsible. They provide

a framework to inform behaviour and decision-making.

Our ethical principles are grounded in:

(i)

The Nolan Principles of Public Life

(ii)

Human rights, equality and social justice

(iii)

Environmental responsibility and sustainability

(iv)

Academic freedom and freedom of expression

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(v)

Respect for the dignity, wellbeing and rights of all individuals

The Nolan Principles of Public Life

The Nolan Principles of Public Life underpin ethical behaviour at all levels of the

University. These Principles are:

(i)

Selflessness: Decisions should be guided by the best interests of the University,

rather than personal gain or advantage.

(ii)

Integrity: Individuals must avoid obligations, relationships or influences that could

compromise their judgement. Conflicts of interest must be declared and

managed transparently.

(iii)

Objectivity: All decisions must be clear, fair and evidence-based.

(iv)

Accountability: Members of the university must be prepared to explain and justify

their decisions and actions, and to engage with appropriate scrutiny.

(v)

Openness: Information should be shared proactively and honestly, unless there

are lawful, commercial or ethical reasons for confidentiality. Decision-making

processes should be as transparent as possible.

(vi)

Honesty: Individuals should communicate truthfully, acknowledge errors and

ensure that their work is conducted with accuracy and authenticity.

(vii)

Leadership: Those in positions of responsibility should model these principles

through their behaviour, fostering a culture of ethical practice and trust across the

University.

Human Rights, Equality and Social Justice

We must acknowledge our responsibility to uphold and advance rights, dignity and

fairness. In doing so, we will:

(i)

Respect Dignity: Treat all individuals with fairness, courtesy and respect,

recognising their intrinsic value and ensuring that our conduct does not

compromise the rights or wellbeing of others.

(ii)

Promote Equality of Opportunity: Foster an environment free from discrimination,

harassment and victimisation.

(iii)

Advance Inclusion and Accessibility: Remove barriers to participation wherever

possible, ensuring that all members of the University can engage fully in university

life regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

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(iv)

Champion Social Justice: Support fair treatment and challenge structural

inequalities, recognising the interconnected nature of social, environmental and

economic disadvantage.

(v)

Protect Rights in Research and Practice: Ensure that research, teaching and

business activities respect the rights, safety and autonomy of participants and

communities, with particular care for those who may be vulnerable or

disadvantaged.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability

We must share a responsibility to protect the environment and to support sustainable

practices across our activities. In doing so, we:

(i)

Minimise Environmental Impact: Use resources responsibly, reduce waste,

conserve energy and water, and make choices that reduce pollution and

environmental harm.

(ii)

Promote Sustainable Practices: Support behaviour and strategic and operational

decisions that advance long-term environmental wellbeing and drive continuous

improvement, including through sustainable travel, procurement, digital

infrastructure and estate management.

(iii)

Integrate Sustainability into Academic Activity: Consider environmental

implications in research design, curriculum development and professional

practice, ensuring that these activities contribute positively to environmental

resilience and do not cause avoidable harm.

(iv)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Environmental Responsibility: AI carries both

benefits and environmental costs, and it should be used only when its positive

outcomes outweigh its impacts. These issues can be complex and will be

addressed through transparent assessment, responsible judgement and a strong

commitment to environmental stewardship.

(v)

Support Climate Responsibility: Contribute to efforts that reduce carbon and

carbon equivalent emissions (CO2e), enhance biodiversity, protect ecosystems

and promote sustainable development and adaptation to climate change.

(vi)

Encourage Awareness and Engagement: Foster a culture in which environmental

stewardship is understood, valued and actively practiced.

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech

We must uphold and protect the rights of staff, students and visitors to explore,

develop and communicate lawful ideas. In doing so, we:

(i)

Uphold Academic Freedom: Protect the freedom to question, research, teach and

publish within the standards of scholarly rigour. Academic work should be free

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from interference, institutional pressure or fear of adverse consequences for

pursuing legitimate lines of academic inquiry.

(ii)

Protect Freedom of Speech: Support the right of individuals to express lawful

opinions, even when those views may be challenging, unpopular or contested.

Debate and disagreement should be approached with respect, intellectual

honesty and a commitment to constructive engagement.

(iii)

Balance Rights and Responsibilities: Enable freedom of speech to be expressed

in ways that do not infringe the lawful rights, safety or dignity of others. Speech or

conduct that constitutes harassment, discrimination or unlawful behaviour is

incompatible with our ethical principles.

Dignity, Wellbeing and the Rights of Individuals

We must create and sustain an environment in which everyone is treated with

fairness, respect and care:

(i)

Respect Personal Dignity: Interact with others in ways that uphold mutual respect.

Behaviour that demeans, belittles or undermines individuals, or that constitutes

harassment, bullying, discrimination or exploitation, is incompatible with our

ethical principles.

(ii)

Protect Wellbeing: Contribute to a safe, supportive and healthy environment,

being attentive to the impact of actions on the physical, psychological and

emotional wellbeing of others.

(iii)

Uphold Individual Rights: Ensure that academic, professional and social activities

respect the rights and freedoms of all individuals, including privacy, autonomy

and the right to fair treatment.

Applying Our Ethical Principles

We will prioritise engagement with organisations that demonstrate strong ethical

governance, promote equality and good employment practices, protect the

environment, and contribute positively

to communities and sustainable

development. Consequently, we should aim to engage with organisations whose

activities, including those within their supply chains, reflect a commitment to ethical

conduct that includes:

•

Upholding human rights, equality and responsible behaviour across all

operations.

•

Supporting international cooperation, peace and the reduction of conflict.

•

Demonstrating fair employment practices and responsible, ethical business

behaviour.

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•

Protecting the environment, including climate stability, biodiversity and

responsible resource use.

•

Delivering measurable community benefit and promoting public health and

wellbeing.

•

Providing essential resources and services sustainably and responsibly.

•

Advancing sustainable development through efficient resource use and

renewable energy.

We must not knowingly engage with activities or with organisations that:

•

Violate or show complicity or support for the violation of international law or

human rights, for example through human trafficking, modern slavery or forced

or child labour.

•

Are linked to illegality, for example through money laundering, corruption or

terrorism.

•

Fail to uphold basic labour rights, for example by refusing the right to form a

trade union.

•

Conduct testing on animals in ways that contravene Home Office controls and

associated legislation.

•

Invest in tobacco, pornography and gambling.

Ethics in Financial Management

Our approach to financial management must reflect our ethical principles and

includes equity investments, alumni donations and the selection of banking providers

and lenders. We will minimise the risk of harm to people and the environment and

uphold public trust by:

•

Application of the Ethical Investment Policy, which aims to invest surplus cash

funds with due consideration to ethical, environmental, corporate governance

and social issues.

•

Never knowingly accepting donations or gifts from sources whose activities are

inconsistent with our ethical principles and engaging in open and transparent

discussion where any concerns or uncertainties arise.

•

Encouraging ethical conduct and responsible practices among organisations with

which the University has financial or commercial relationships.

•

Ensure that risk assessment takes account of reputational, environmental,

ethical and social risks, as well as financial risk.

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•

Maintaining clarity and transparency within our financial policies, processes and

decision-making and regularly reviewing alignment between our financial

activities and our ethical principles.

Detailed consideration of ethical financial matters is undertaken by existing

University committees, applying a level of scrutiny proportionate to the potential risk

of harm or adverse impact on individuals, the University or society as a whole.

Responsibility and Accountability

Ethical considerations must apply to all decisions and actions undertaken by and on

behalf of the University. Members of the University community are responsible for

understanding this Statement, reflecting on the ethical implications of their actions,

declaring and managing conflicts of interest, and seeking advice where ethical

concerns arise.

Raising Concerns

If you believe that a decision or an activity at the University contravenes the ethical

principles outlined in this statement then you should raise the matter with your line

manager. If this would be inappropriate or your concern remains, you should raise the

matter through the University’s:

•

Procedures for Dealing with Misconduct in Research if your concern relates to

research activity

•

Grievance Process if your concern relates to bullying, harassment or

victimisation

•

Anti-Bribery Policy if your concern relates to bribery

•

Fraud response plan if your concern relates to fraud

•

Whistleblowing policy for all other concerns or if you wish your concern to

remain anonymous.

If you are unsure of whether or how to raise your concern then advice can be sought

from the University Secretary.

Review

This Statement will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required by legislative,

regulatory requirements, emerging risks or changes in good practice.

Approved by the Board of Governors June 2026

Next review due June 2028

Kingston University Ethics Statement

Prompt to Clone This Kingston University Ethics Statement

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