Policies of the Nutrition Society

Scientific Conduct and Research Policy

Working according to the principles of the UK Research Integrity Office’s (UKRIO) Code of Practice for Research (ref), Universities UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity (ref), and other relevant international principles, the Society and its members will:

• Uphold the highest standards of rigour and integrity in all aspects of research.
• Ensure that research is conducted according to appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations and standards.
• Support a research environment that is underpinned by a culture of integrity and based on good governance, best practice, and support for the development of researchers.

Furthermore, the Society will:

• Use transparent, timely, robust and fair processes to deal with allegations of research misconduct should they arise.
• Work together to strengthen the integrity of research and to review progress regularly and openly.

Environmental and Sustainability Policy

The Nutrition Society recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. The Society is committed to reducing its environmental impact and continually improving its environmental performance as an integral part of delivering its charitable objectives, its strategy, and operating methods, with regular review points. The Society encourages members, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to do the same.

In enacting this policy, the Society endeavours to:

• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• Incorporate environmental factors into operating decisions.
• Increase employee awareness and training.

The Operating Environment

The Nutrition Society believes that it is essential to function in an environment that is fair and respectful. The Society is committed to operating and delivering its Strategic Plan priorities within such an environment which promotes the fair and respectful provision of feedback and is free from:

• Disrespect
• Discrimination and favouritism
• Abuse of power/authority
• Harassment

In delivering its Strategic Plan (2021 - 2026), the Society looks to support where feasible the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
in particular:

• Goal 4: Quality education
• Goal 5: Gender equality
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
• Goal 13: Climate action
• Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
• Goal 17: Partnership for the goals

Ethical Behaviour and Standards of Conduct

The strategic priorities of the Society, detailed within the Strategic Plan (2021-2026), are underpinned by embedded ethical principles, behaviours and standards of professional conduct. To reflect the Society’s ethical principles, the highest standards of conduct, competence and behaviour are expected of all members and employees of The Society. The Society looks to all partners and stakeholders to reciprocate in meeting these standards in spirit and in practice.

The basic principles of ethical behaviour and standards of conduct of The Society (its members and employees) are based upon the fundamental freedom to speak, think and choose, and are demonstrated through:

Integrity. The demonstration of the highest standards of integrity and acting in good faith, with intellectual honesty and fairness.

Accountability. The obligation of everyone to be answerable for his/her actions and decisions, and to accept responsibility for them. To respect confidentiality, and the correct use of The Society’s resources.

Independence and Impartiality. To act with impartiality and professionalism, ensuring that the expression of personal views and convictions do not compromise performance of duties. Bias, prejudice, conflict of interest, or undue influence must not be permitted to supersede professionalism of conduct.