Ethical Assurance

Earlier this year, the University began a review and assessment of its key policies and controls in those areas requiring additional ethical consideration. This work is essential to ensuring that our institutional values are seen, heard, and felt in everything we do.

This is an ongoing process, and the updated documents will be published here as soon as they are available. In the meantime, you can find some FAQs below around the purpose and scope of the project, as well as an estimated timeline for its completion.

Research partnerships

These principles ensure that the University only accepts funding or engages in partnerships with companies or organisations that act in an ethical manner, and which operate in alignment with the values and culture of the University.

Read our ethical principles for research funding and partnerships

Our investments

The Responsible Investment Policy sets out the approach to investment taken by The University of Warwick, ensuring that investment decisions are made responsibly and with integrity.

Read the full responsible investment policy

Fundraising

Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts Policy to follow by March 2025.

FAQs

Why is the University undertaking this work now?

Council has commissioned the Ethical Assurance Assessment to ensure that the University is open and transparent in all its areas of interest, and that policies and controls are managed in the most ethical way possible.

The exercise reflects our core values and purpose, helping us point the way ahead so that, together, we can make a better world. This aligns with our refreshed strategic themes, including sustainability.

By assessing key areas linked to ethical consideration, we can be confident our policies are geared towards Warwick’s commitment to making a positive, lasting impact for years to come.

Which areas of Warwick’s work does the assessment exercise cover?

The assessment covers:

Research funding and partnerships – our commitment to advancing and safeguarding the highest academic and ethical standards in all our research activities, guided by ethical, social, environmental and governance principles
Responsible investment - ensuring investment decisions are made responsibly and with integrity. They must be sustainable in all aspects (financial, social and environmental), and should maximise returns on investment for charitable benefit, befitting our status as an exempt charity
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts Policy – to follow by 30 November 2024
Education partnerships – assessment complete in early 2025

When can we see the full results of this assessment/How long will this process take? Where can I access our policies related to ethical assurance? How can we be confident that policies are followed and implemented?