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Responsible research

Managing health and safety in research: guidance for the not-for-profit sector

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Health and safety legislation applies to research as much as any other industry. This guide offers a practical framework to manage risks, embed wellbeing and ethics, and support compliance across universities, institutes and charities.

Practical guide for safer, ethical research

Research involves uncertainty, but innovation should never compromise safety. This guide helps organisations create a culture where risks are managed effectively while supporting progress.

It focuses on clear governance, sensible systems and practical training to protect people and projects. 

By applying these principles, universities, institutes and charities can embed wellbeing and ethics into everyday research and maintain confidence in compliance.

“I would recommend this publication as essential for any organisation undertaking research where risks to health and safety are encountered or generated. The working group have developed a ready‑made resource that allows organisations to quickly understand and implement essential actions, ensuring effective safety management systems make a positive contribution to success.”

Les Wright CFIOSH

Job role
Retired senior adviser to UK universities

This guide is for:

  • research leaders, principal investigators and supervisors
  • health and safety professionals and research governance teams
  • ethics committees and research integrity leads
  • technical managers, lab managers and facilities teams
  • postgraduate researchers and research support staff
  • not‑for‑profit and university research settings.

It helps you meet your legal and moral duties, clarify roles and responsibilities, and focus resources on the highest risks and the wellbeing of your research community.

Essential benefits and key updates

  • Why this guide matters

    An essential resource for organisations managing health and safety in research.

    • Developed by leading voices in the research sector
    • Manage health and safety risks confidently
    • Save time and resources by adopting proven models

  • What’s new in this guide

    Includes researcher wellbeing, mental health and ethics.

    • Clear, practical role-holder duties for research communities
    • Integration of ethics and governance for responsible research
    • Broader focus on researcher wellbeing and mental health

  • Benefits for your organisation

    Framework for embedding wellbeing and ethics into research safety.

    • Reduce risk and improve your organisation’s compliance
    • Avoid costly policy development – use this guide as central resource
    • Build confidence and credibility with sector-endorsed best practice

“A cohesive and comprehensive set of good practice… relevant and of practical benefit.”

Les Wright CFIOSH

Job role
Retired senior adviser to UK universities

Download the guide

Last updated: 08 December 2025

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