Refreshed Concordat to Support Research Integrity launches today, continuing to support the highest levels of research integrity across the UK.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the refreshed Concordat to Support Research Integrity following detailed review and consultation across the sector by the Research Integrity Concordat Signatories (RICS) Group. Now hosted by the UK Committee on Research Integrity, the Concordat has provided a vital national framework and reference document for practice and governance of research integrity in the UK since 2012, and the review aimed to ensure that it retained its relevance and application in today’s fast-moving environment.

Alongside the Concordat, you will find a document summarising the consultation undertaken and the changes that were made in response. The Concordat is being launched now, but organisations have until April 2026 to comply with the new expectations, including those related to annual statements. Organisations are encouraged to use the existing annual statement reporting template. Users of the Concordat will find that the basic structure and requirements of the Concordat are unchanged, structured around five commitments, the first of which sets out the core principles of:

• honesty
• rigour
• transparency and open communication
• care and respect
• accountability

You can read more about the Concordat on our website.