Bribery and fraud are criminal offences under UK law and under the criminal codes of many other countries. They are activities that divert money and resources towards the personal gain of a few, often to the cost and detriment of the many. Globally they hinder growth of the legitimate economy, and act as a barrier to efficient and effective governance; their presence can also aggravate insecurity and potential conflict.
Within the context of the University’s undertakings, its use of public funds, and objectives for the advancement of learning for the wider benefit, such unethical activities clearly cannot be sanctioned or supported. In addition to ethical concerns, the incidence of bribery or fraud could have wide-reaching and practical implications that directly affect the primary work of departments and research groups.