GSR Ethical Assurance for Social and Behavioural Research
Guidance on the expected standards and responsibilities when designing/conducting social and behavioural research for/on-behalf of government
Documents
Details
This guidance applies to all GSR members and anyone conducting social and behavioural research for government. The updated guidance document builds on the previous version, introducing an extra principle around clear and defined public benefit. Part 1 provides an introduction and summary, outlining the responsibilities of departments and existing legislation and guidance. Part 2 outlines the six ethical principles that anyone commissioning or conducting social and behavioural research for government need to abide by:
- Clear and defined public benefit
- Sound application, conduct and interpretation
- Data protection regulations
- Specific and informed consent
- Enabling participation
- Minimising personal and social harm
Part 3 details departmental governance arrangements and responsibilities; with Part 4 outlining the role and responsibility of the Government Economic and Social Research Team. The appendices include an updated summary on ‘Social Media Research’ - you can find full guidance on the Social Media Research Guidance page - and a revised copy of the GSR Ethics Checklist.
Updates to this page
Last updated 12 July 2021 + show all updates
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GSR Ethics document amended.
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GSR Ethics Guidance document and GSR ethics checklist updated May 2021
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First published.