The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has launched a new Respect Policy and Report + Support platform, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to building a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive culture.
The new Respect Policy, grounded in 18 months of in-depth research and meaningful engagement, applies to the entire IDS community – including staff, students, partners, and contractors. At its heart are IDS’s ‘principles of respect’, which guide how community members interact with one another. These will help ensure that IDS embeds equity, inclusion, and respect into every aspect of its work and culture.
The policy also outlines clear and accessible pathways for addressing and resolving issues related to respect as they arise, ensuring transparency and accountability in how concerns are handled.
Complementing the policy, the new Report + Support platform provides a confidential and secure space for individuals to raise concerns related to discrimination, bullying, harassment, or other disrespectful behaviours. The platform includes an anonymous reporting option, making it easier for community members to raise concerns in a way that feels safe and accessible.
As part of this broader cultural shift, IDS has also introduced a restorative and person-centred approach to addressing workplace conflict. Developed in partnership with conflict resolution specialists The TCM Group, this approach encourages early, open, and constructive dialogue. The aim is to resolve workplace conflict in ways that promote healing, reduce harm, and build trust and accountability across the Institute.
This is the first time any organisation – in any sector – has delivered Report + Support as part of a fully integrated, progressive resolution approach.
Peter Taylor, Director of IDS, said: “At IDS, we believe in ‘walking the talk’ when it comes to inclusion and respect. This means creating a safe, inclusive environment where every member of our community feels welcome, respected, and valued. It also means ensuring there are safe spaces for people to express their needs and resolve issues constructively.
Our commitment to respect extends across everything we do – as an employer, a learning provider, and through all our partnerships, both locally and globally.
Respect goes beyond what’s written in a policy – it’s reflected in our everyday actions, how we lead with kindness, and how we treat one another with empathy. But to truly embed those values into the fabric of our community, we need a strong, values-led policy to guide and support our actions. I’m confident that our new approach, along with the processes, frameworks, and support systems we’ve put in place, will have a lasting, positive impact on the IDS community.”
