Organisational policies and codes
We are committed to achieving the highest standards of organisational conduct and best practice in all that we do. Read our key policies to find out more.
Academic Freedom
IDS is committed to academic freedom both as a central part of the Institute’s core values, and in recognition of its responsibility to comply with relevant higher education governance frameworks.
Statement of Academic Freedom
Anti-racism statement
The statement sets out how IDS will tackle racism, building on commitments made in our equality, diversity and inclusion policy.
Anti-Racism Statement
Anti-terrorism
This policy sets out our position in relation to anti-terrorism laws and regulation that IDS and our Trustees are subject to.
Anti-terrorism_policy
Brexit statement
European relationships remain extremely important to the life and work of IDS and we will take all feasible steps to sustain these, whatever the outcome of the current Brexit process.
Statement on IDS and Brexit
Carbon reduction plan
IDS is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Read our plan below.
Carbon Reduction Plan IDS
Code of conduct
Our code of conduct applies to all in paid or voluntary
engagements or associations including contractors,
volunteers, associates and trustees.
Code_of_conduct policy
Complaints
Receiving feedback and responding to complaints is an important part of improving IDS’ accountability.
Complaints_procedure
Communication guides
A range of guides from the IDS Communications and Engagement Team.
IDS Content Guidelines: an ethical approach to using content in communications
IDS_Social_Media_Policy
Communicating our Research in Different Languages
Guide to Telling Stories with Impact
Copyright and permissions
Guidance on copyright and permissions for IDS material.
IDS_copyright_and_permissions
Cyber essentials Plus certification
At IDS we take the issues of cyber security extremely seriously. IDS maintains Cyber Essentials Plus Certification which is a scheme developed by the UK Government and industry to fulfil two functions. It provides a clear statement of the basic controls all organisations should implement to the mitigate the risk from common internet based threats and through the Assurance Framework it offers a mechanism for IDS to demonstrate to all stakeholders via an external audit process that we have taken these essential precautions.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certificate
Data protection and GDPR
We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) to ensure transparency concerning use of personal data. See our privacy statement and our disclaimer and cookies pages for full details.
Due Diligence policy
As a world-leading research, learning and teaching institute IDS works with a large network of partners globally. Prior to working with any new partner, or funding organisation, we undertake thorough due diligence to make sure that every organisation meets our high standards and fully complies with industry, regulatory and donor standards.
The IDS due diligence undertaken includes assessments of governance, capacity and experience, finances, safeguarding, ethics and security. It encompasses partnerships and every aspect of contracting, including training and guidance for IDS staff to ensure processes are correctly followed.
Environmental policy
Climate and environmental change pose major global and local challenges. We are committed to addressing these challenges in our research, teaching and learning, impact, and operations.
Environmental_policy
Equality diversity and inclusion
IDS is committed to eliminating discrimination and to embedding and supporting equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, in our work and in all our activities. Promoting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion is central to our values and vital to our success.
Equality diversity and inclusion policy
Fundraising Ethics policy
The principles set out here in the Policy are supported by comprehensive Fundraising Ethics Policy Guidelines for IDS staff that provide detail on how the policy is applied, roles and responsibilities and its review.
Fundraising Ethics Policy
Gender Equality plan
IDS is committed to ensuring and promoting gender equality and acknowledges a diversity and fluidity in gender identities. The institute’s plans for gender equality are embedded within a range of initiatives, including our Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, and the Equalities Champions Working Group Action plan.
Gender Equality Plan
Open access
We are committed to enabling engaged excellence in constructing and sharing knowledge for development as widely as possible and supports its members (and any partner organisations) in making their work available as open access.
IDS_open_access_policy
Overseas travel security
Travel is an important part of our work, whether to events that bring together participants from different locations or for field work to deliver on a funded contract. This policy helps support the safety of all those who travel as part of their work for or with IDS, whether they are staff or sub-contractors.
Overseas Travel Security Policy
Pension investments
It is important to us that pension fund investments made on behalf of IDS and its staff are in line with the organisation’s commitment to behave ethically, specifically to protect the environment and reduce extreme inequities.
Pension investments statement
Preventing bribery, corruption and money laundering
We are committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity in our business activities in the UK and overseas. This policy outlines the Institute’s position on preventing and prohibiting bribery, corruption and money laundering in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010 and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Preventing bribery,_corruption_and_money_laundering_policy
Preventing harassment and bullying at work
We recognise and value diversity and inclusion and will make every effort to provide a supportive working environment free from harassment and bullying. Harassment_Discrimination_Bullying
Recruitment and selection
Recruiting and selecting the right people is of paramount importance to the continued success of IDS. This policy sets out how we recruit the best people based on merit and how our recruitment processes are free from unlawful and unfair bias and discrimination.
IDS Recruitment and Selection Policy
Remuneration
IDS has adopted the Committee of University Chairs Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code and is committed to following the Code’s guidance as best practice.
IDS Remuneration Committee ToR
IDS Pay Policy
IDS Pay Bands March 2025
IDS Market Supplement Policy
IDS Bonus Policy
IDS_Expenses_Policy
Reward And Incentives Scheme Fellows
IDS Gender_Pay_Gap_Report_March_2025
IDS Ethnicity_Pay_Gap_Report_March_2025
Records Management Policy
A vital part of the Institute’s Data Protection Policy and practice is that personal data is retained for the appropriate period of time –neither too long nor too short. This policy helps to ensure that our obligations under the GDPR data protection regulations are maintained and that personal data is kept accurate, for the stated purpose and for the appropriate time period.
IDS_Records_Management_Policy
Research ethics
The IDS research ethics policy details our commitment to promoting and upholding the highest ethical standards in our research as part of our commitment to engaged research excellence.
Research_ethics_policy
Safeguarding
At IDS we take issues of safeguarding, bullying and harassment extremely seriously. We have established policies that seek to protect both those we work with and our employees. These policies also set out our expectations of partners in this regard.
IDS Safeguarding Policy 2022
Whistle-blowing
This policy sets out the protection available to you if you report genuine and legitimate concerns about IDS and/or its people which will expose malpractice or other similar matters.
IDS Whistleblowing policy 2023