Draft UKRI policy spells out penalties for abuse and harm

Organisations that fail to comply with safeguarding rules could be suspended from applying for grants

UK Research and Innovation has published a draft policy aimed at preventing abuse, harassment and exploitation in research environments, as part of an extended consultation period before it comes into effect on 1 April 2021.

The policy, published on 19 May, follows a joint statement of commitment signed by UKRI, the Department for International Development, the Wellcome Trust and others in October 2018 that set out a “zero-tolerance approach” to sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse.