Research integrity
Represent evidence honestly. Do not fabricate, manipulate or selectively present information to support a preferred conclusion. Attribute sources and authorship accurately.
Core Principles
The principles behind our research
RFC’s research principles include integrity, inclusion, gender sensitivity, confidentiality, methodological rigour, transparency and practical relevance.
Evidence-informed decision-making
Use research to clarify options and trade-offs while recognizing that decisions also involve values, resources, institutional responsibilities and lived experience.
Inclusion and dignity
Treat participants and stakeholders respectfully. Consider whose perspectives may be missing and avoid language that stereotypes or diminishes people.
Gender sensitivity
Recognize that opportunities, constraints and risks may differ by gender and intersect with age, income, disability, location and other contextual factors.
Community-informed research
Where relevant, engage people with direct experience of the issue and explain how their contributions inform the research. Do not imply that consultation automatically represents every group.
Transparency and accountability
Explain the purpose, methods, scope and limitations of research. Be clear about project responsibilities, funding arrangements and intended use of outputs.
Privacy and confidentiality
Collect only necessary personal information, explain its use, protect records and avoid disclosing identifiable details without an appropriate basis and permission.
Methodological rigour
Choose methods suited to the research question, document analytical decisions and state limitations. Avoid drawing conclusions that the design cannot support.
Independence of analysis
Aim to present findings fairly, including evidence that complicates an initial assumption. Disclose relevant interests and manage conflicts transparently.
Responsible partnerships
Work with collaborators through clear scopes, fair attribution, agreed data responsibilities and transparent expectations.
Practical relevance
Make research understandable and useful to its intended audience without compromising accuracy or nuance.
Learning and improvement
Use feedback and reflection to improve research design, communication and future work.