Research
Rye Art Gallery - Research Policy
Introduction
1. This policy sets out the standards and conduct expected of those engaged in research at Rye Art Gallery.
The policy applies to any person carrying out research on the gallery premises, including those engaged as self-employed guest curators.
Research Management:
2. To promote an effective research culture to support the Gallery’s objectives and to continue to refresh and enhance the body of knowledge about the collection available to the public:
* The Trustees act as the Research Committee. The remit of the Committee is to identify those projects which are most likely to make a significant contribution to the Gallery’s research objectives, ensure they can be carried out effectively, and monitor their progress.
* The Trustees will ensure that all those who join the Gallery with a view to being active in research, or who may become so, have the requisite research skills, and we will, where appropriate, consider offering training to improve or develop such skills.
* The Trustees will consider the Ownership of Research and on Good Conduct and Practice in Research and related topics and ensure that these are widely distributed and properly understood.
Code of Practice
3. Good conduct in the context of research practice at the Gallery includes the following principles:
* Applying the highest possible standards of integrity and professionalism, including observing relevant legal and ethical requirements.
* Understanding the responsibilities of individuals in accordance with the Gallery’s Health and Safety Policy.
* Treating the collection and all works of reference belonging to the Gallery (eg books and photographs) with care and respect as set out in the environmental policies.
* Being open to scrutiny and to debate.
To ensure that these principles are adhered to by all those researchers:
* Primary research data should be secured and stored accurately, and results should be documented clearly and accurately. Data should be held for the periods recommended by the Gallery’s Records Management Policies and Departmental Guidelines, and in compliance with the Gallery’s legal obligations in respect of Data Protection.
* Trustees will apply the Gallery’s legal obligations under the Freedom of Information Act are observed. In accordance with this Act information that will be published within a reasonable period may be exempt from disclosure. Advice on any form of confidentiality agreement that does not come within the scope of the Data Protection Act should be sought from the Trustees.
* Trustees will ensure that the Gallery’s Policy on Intellectual Property Rights and copyright are observed.
* Acknowledgement of the contributions of others to the authorship of research, whether in the form of a book, article, lecture or texts for a website, gallery or exhibition. Authorship can be defined as substantial participation in a research project, in conceiving, planning or designing it or its methodology, acquiring, generating, analysing or interpreting data or other material in support of the research, drafting or critically revising the written results of the project.
Authorship of a piece of research work must be discussed between participants at an early stage in a project and reviewed when there are changes in participation. No person who should be an author according to the above definition should be excluded as an author without their permission in writing.
* Authors must also take all reasonable steps to ensure that others who have contributed to the work are recognised in the publication or other research output. Authors should also take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate recognition for all sponsors and funders as well as those institutions and individuals who have supported or contributed to the work.
Originality
Authors should also take all reasonable steps to ensure that any reported or published research has been carried out by the acknowledged authors themselves, and that no ideas, data, texts or results have been copied without permission or acknowledgement, or invented or fabricated.
Project planning and conduct
Research projects should be planned and conducted in accordance with the Gallery’s rules and guidance on standards of good and effective practice in project management. If researchers need advice in this area they should seek it from the Trustees.
Supporting co-researchers
Those with particular responsibility for leading and managing research projects should take reasonable steps to ensure that a co-operative environment is created in which all researchers are encouraged to develop skills, junior researchers are supported, guided and encouraged, and the open exchange of ideas is fostered.
Working with the public
If a research project involves members of the public researchers should ensure that all participants understand the process to be undertaken, the reasons for undertaking the research, the identity of the funders and the ways in which the research will be used and disseminated. All participants must give freely given and informed consent and made aware of their right to refuse to participate.
Acknowledging conflicts of interest
All researchers should make full disclosure of any potential or actual conflict of interest including, personal, familial or financial conflicts, in accordance with the Gallery’s Code of Conduct.
Where the Trustees set a budget for research projects any researcher should adher to it and keep records of aall expenditure. Reasonable care should be taken that all details are as accurate as possible.
Training and leadership
Research leaders have a particular responsibility for encouraging and nurturing good practice and developing the research skills of their junior colleagues, and for identifying training needs in accordance with the Gallery’s probation and performance review procedures
Misconduct in Research
Misconduct in research includes non-compliance with the code set out above, and includes but is not limited to:
* Misleading ascriptions of authorship, attributing work to others who have not contributed to the research and the lack of acknowledgement of work produced by those including research associates, trainees or students
* Plagiarism, defined as the presentation of the data, text or ideas or another without permission or acknowledgement
* Fraud, defined as deliberate deception which involves the invention of data or fabrication of results
Raising Concerns and Reporting Misconduct
Where it is considered that misconduct in research may put the Gallery at risk and where Gallery staff, students and those contracted to undertake research for the Gallery have a genuine and reasonable belief that misconduct in research is taking place, they are expected to report their concerns to the Trustees.
Chair RAG Trust
August 2009