Ethics Policy Framework

Statement of Social Responsibility

The Open University is an educational charity; we are open to people, places, methods and ideas.

We promote educational opportunity and social justice by providing high-quality university education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

The Open University promotes:

  • Individual well-being of our students through education and pastoral support, focused on student success
  • Individual well-being of our staff and partners through our commitment to a dynamic and inclusive culture
  • Social and economic well-being through the activities of our students and graduates, the innovation of our researchers, and the high-quality educational programs we produce with our partners
  • Responsible use of our planet’s resources. Our model of flexible, distance learning is inherently low-carbon. We aim to manage our physical resources sustainably.
  • We do this by working within an ethical framework which supports our goals and enablers.

The Open University Ethics Framework

1. Introduction

1.1  The Open University’s Strategy for 2022-2027, Learn and Live, is built on five goals and seven enablers, showing how the University’s mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas will be achieved over the next five years.

1.2  In support of The Open University’s social mission, ethical considerations are embedded across the University’s existing policies. The Open University believes that ethical considerations are best viewed in the context in which they are encountered. Each policy, therefore, sets out the ethical framework with regard to a specific issue, defines the correct procedures to be followed and lists the sanctions for behaviours that do not meet these requirements.

2. Policies

2.1  The Open University’s key policies that support the goals and enablers within the University’s Strategy are grouped under the headings below:

Education and the Student Experience

Leadership, Governance and Management

Research

Data Protection and Freedom of Information

Sustainability

The Open University policies and procedures website contains more staff policies, and student related policy can be found on the Student Policies and Regulations site.

3. Procedures

3.1  The mission and values of The Open University inform what we do and how we do it and we will always conduct our business with integrity and in a legal manner. University officers, employees, students, other members of the University and any other associated person acting on the University’s behalf are responsible for acting honestly and with integrity by ensuring that their activities, interests and behaviours do not conflict with these values regardless of their seniority.

3.2  Staff should consider any ethical issues by referring to the appropriate policy / policies listed above and follow the appropriate procedures defined within those. In the event that the issue is not covered in those policies then they should, in the first instance, be referred to the most appropriate guardian of the relevant policy area.

3.3 As an academic institution academic freedom is enshrined in our statutes and ordinances to ensure that ‘academic staff have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges.’

3.4  If staff encounter situations that they consider may be in contravention of the ethical policies then they should be escalated in accordance with such arrangements as those policies define. If for whatever reason staff feel unable to do this then they can use the mechanisms set out in the Whistleblowing Policy.

3.5 Managers should set clear standards, encouraging and guiding good practice, and helping staff and others to perform at their best, this includes ethical considerations. Significant issues that are beyond the competence of individual managers to determine should be referred to those responsible for specific policies and procedures or else to the Chief Auditor or University Secretary.

4. Communication (including training)

4.1  The University ensures that its ethics and associated policies and procedures are embedded and understood throughout the organisation through internal and external communication, including training that is proportionate to the risk it faces.

4.2  Unit managers or their nominee are responsible for ensuring all employees receive appropriate training and for the communication of the University’s Ethics Framework and other relevant policies to associated person(s).  Unit managers should also monitor and review their procedures and action plans to ensure their suitability, adequacy and effectiveness in relation to this Policy and implement improvements as appropriate.

5. Top Level Commitment

The University Council endorses this Statement and Framework. The Governance Team will conduct an annual review to ensure it is up-to-date and fit for purpose

Governance Team ([email protected])

Changes

Nov 2022: Policy updated to reflect new Strategy and reviewed by GNC.

Aug 2023: New policy links added.

Dec 2023: New policy added, links updated and reviewed by GNC.

Dec 2024: New policy added, links updated and reviewed by GNC.

Jan 2026: New policy added, links updated and reviewed by GNC.

Next review date: December 2026

Contact us

For more information, please email
Freedom of Information