Procedure for Investigating Allegations of Misconduct in Research

Academic Secretariat. The Chair of the Investigation Panel shall assume responsibilitywith the Academic Secretariat for keeping accurate records of the activities,deliberation and reporting of the Panel. The Academic Secretariat will maintain the filefor the case and archive this appropriately at the completion of the Procedure.23.1.8.3 Specialised researchIt is recognised that the subject area of certain cases may be so specialised as torequire equally specialised advice as to how to resolve or correct matters arising fromthe misconduct in research; the recommendations and experience of the InvestigationPanel may prove particularly useful if this is the case.23.1.8.4 Support provided to the ComplainantWhere allegations have been upheld (in full or in part), or found to be mistaken but notfrivolous, vexatious and/or malicious, then appropriate support, guidance andacknowledgment shall be given to the Complainant, given that his/her role in theprocess will most likely have been stressful and may well have caused friction withcolleagues. The Named Person shall take whatever steps he/she considers necessaryto support the reputation of the Complainant. For example, if the case has received anypublicity, the Complainant shall be offered the possibility of having an official statementreleased for internal and/or external purposes.23.1.8.5 Support provided to the RespondentWhere allegations have not been upheld (in full or in part), the Named Person shalltake such steps as are appropriate, given the seriousness of the allegations, to supportthe reputation of the Respondent and any relevant research project(s). Appropriatesupport and guidance shall be given to the Respondent, given that his/her role in theprocess will most likely have been stressful and may well have caused friction withcolleagues. As above, where the case has received any publicity, the Respondent shallbe offered the possibility of having an official statement released for internal and/orexternal purposes.23.1.8.6 Handling wrongful allegationsIf the Investigation Panel has found that the Complainant’s allegations were frivolous,vexatious and/or malicious, the Named Person will consider recommending that actionbe taken against the Complainant, under the College’s disciplinary process.23.1.8.7 Other actions that may be required or be considered appropriateFollowing the conclusion of the Procedure, the Investigation Panel may need torecommend additional measures in addition to those that may be taken by way of theCollege’s disciplinary process. Any such recommendations will be actioned through theCollege’s management structure. This may include:a. Retraction/correction of articles in journalsb. Withdrawal/repayment of fundingc. Notifying patients/patients’ doctors of any potential medical issues that may arised. Notification of misconduct to regulatory bodies (such as the MHRA, the Healthcaree. Commission, the Home Office [for research involving animals], professional bodies,etc.)f. Notifying other employing organisationsg. Notifying other organisations involved in the research, such as funding bodiesh. Adding a note of the outcome of the investigation to a researcher’s file for any futurerequests for references; and/ori. Review internal management and/or training and/or supervisory procedures forresearch