REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07444269 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1147061

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2025

for

UK RESEARCH INTEGRITY OFFICE LTD

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Reference and Administrative Details

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Report of the Trustees

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Independent Examiner's Report

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Statement of Financial Activities

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Balance Sheet

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Cash Flow Statement

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Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

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Notes to the Financial Statements

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TRUSTEES

I L Boyd Chair (resigned 9.5.25)

S Harper

T Brown

P Espinasse

Z Hammatt

S Kolstoe (resigned 17.4.25)

H Morris

I Nathke

J Smith

L Patridge Chair (appointed 9.5.25)

REGISTERED OFFICE

UK Research Integrity Office

1 Triton Square

Impact Hub London Euston

London

NW1 3DX

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER

07444269 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER

1147061

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Plus Accounting

Chartered Accountants

Preston Park House

South Road

Brighton

East Sussex

BN1 6SB

The Trustees of the UK Research Integrity Office Limited (UKRIO) present their report for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). Advantage has been taken of the exemptions contained therein for smaller charities which are not subject to a statutory audit.

CONSTITUTION

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 18 November 2010 and registered as a charity on 30 April 2012. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

Trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting for a term of three years, and between meetings may be co-opted by the Board until the next AGM. Trustees are eligible for reappointment for a further term of three years. The charity has the right to reappoint a Trustee for a third and final term of three years in exceptional circumstances. No Trustee shall continue to serve after nine years in office.

All new Trustees have their duties and responsibilities fully explained to them and are given a copy of relevant guidance from the Charity Commission.

Trustees receive no remuneration other than reasonable expenses, the latter mainly for travel purposes when attending in-person meetings of the charity or representing UKRIO at meetings, events and external engagements.

INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR

As a leading voice for research integrity, UKRIO plays a vital role in shaping a future where the research community is fully equipped to produce work that is trustworthy, robust, and impactful. When I became Chair of Trustees in May 2025, I embraced the responsibility of guiding this mission at a time of significant change.

The UK research landscape is at a pivotal moment. Financial pressures on higher education, increased government emphasis on research that delivers economic impact, and the globalisation of research are creating challenges that demand harmonised and adaptable systems. UKRIO's role in promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity is more critical than ever.

Since its founding in 2006, UKRIO has evolved from an advisory body serving higher education into a leader supporting all actors across the research community. Under the guidance of my predecessors, including Sir Ian Boyd, the organisation has expanded its mission to serve as a thought leader and convener creating shared solutions to systemic challenges.

In 2024/2025, we made significant strides in fulfilling this mission. We launched a new online training course to make high-quality research integrity education more accessible. Through a cross-sector, peer-to-peer project with UKRI, we co-developed new tools to help individuals and organisations address common challenges related to authorship and research publication. Our landmark guidance, Embracing AI with Integrity, provides clarity and practical advice on a complex and rapidly evolving topic.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to deepening our support for the research community and continuously evolving to meet its needs. These achievements - and our future ambitions - are made possible by the expertise and commitment of our subscribers, project partners, volunteer advisers, and the wider research integrity community.

Their contributions ensure that UKRIO can continue to champion a research culture grounded in integrity and support work that benefits society as a whole.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Dame Linda Partridge Board Chair

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Charitable objects

The objects of the charity are:

1. To promote for the public benefit good practice in the governance, management and conduct of medical, scientific and academic research, including the fields of medicine and healthcare, physical sciences, engineering, mathematics and computing, social sciences and social care, law, the arts and humanities, and related disciplines; and

2. To promote for the public benefit high ethical standards in the conduct of such research.

Mission statement:

Our mission, through our core activities, we aim to support the UK research community to produce work of the highest integrity, quality, and efficacy:

- Acting as an independent, trusted voice - Drawing on a network of specialists and an expert Advisory Council, we offer impartial, informed perspectives on research integrity issues.

- Providing high-quality training, advice, and guidance - We equip researchers and organisations with practical tools to safeguard and advance research integrity in their work.

- Leading and shaping national dialogue and initiatives - We convene stakeholders to discuss integrity issues on the horizon and drive coordinated efforts to address them.

- Sharing knowledge and insights - We create spaces for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop collaborative approaches to common challenges.

- Serving as a champion and critical friend - We advocate for the highest standards of research integrity and provide constructive support to help the sector uphold them.

- Supporting research integrity efforts in the UK and beyond - We support networks and initiatives to advance research integrity in the UK and internationally.

HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT

UKRIO is a registered charity providing independent, expert, and confidential support to enhance good research practices and improve the culture and systems of UK research.

At the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), we support the research community across all sectors and disciplines, providing expertise and guidance to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Our work promotes research that is rigorous, trustworthy, and of benefit to society.

We serve as both a champion and critical friend to individual researchers and institutions. Through our trusted guidance, they gain insight into best practice in areas like research ethics, research culture, and authorship and publication - enabling them to prevent and address breaches in research integrity.

Alongside practical advice, we help organisations embed research integrity into their policies, practices, and culture. At a system-wide level, we convene stakeholders to develop, cross-sector solutions to emerging challenges in the research landscape.

Our work is shaped by - and designed to serve - the research community in all its diversity. Stakeholder engagement is central to our approach, and with support from our subscribers, volunteer advisors, and Board of Trustees, we remain responsive to the sector’s needs and effective in fostering a research ecosystem underpinned by integrity.

As told by our stakeholders in responses to our 2024/25 stakeholder survey:

"UKRIO remains a leader in this space positively shaping the research integrity landscape. [Their resources] are invaluable for organisations in staying abreast of key developments in an ever-changing research landscape."

"At a time when the sector is facing unprecedented financial challenges, UKRIO is a great example of how we can share resources and pool expertise to improve research."

"UKRIO is a leading source of information, training and support on research integrity, with materials suitable for researchers and research-supporting staff at all career levels."

"UKRIO is a sector authority on embedding research integrity into our collective research environments and [a provider of] high quality training and resources."

WHAT IS RESEARCH INTEGRITY?

Research integrity is another name for 'good research practice'. It is the conduct of research in ways that promote trust and confidence in all aspects of the research process.

Research integrity covers all research and the whole lifecycle, from the initial idea and design of the project through the conduct of the research and its dissemination. It also covers making sure that environments and systems for research safeguard and enhance good research practice, rather than hinder it - often described as 'research culture'.

WHO WE SUPPORT

We work with everyone involved in the research process - from higher education to the private and third sectors - to promote trustworthy, impactful research outcomes.

UKRIO’s work is grounded in the belief that research should be trustworthy, responsible, and conducted in the public interest. By supporting all contributors in the research ecosystem to uphold good practice, we help foster a research culture that the public can rely on and engage with.

We work with the full range of contributors to the research process - anyone involved in designing, conducting, supervising, or overseeing research. Our support spans all disciplines, sectors, and career stages, reaching universities, public sector research establishments, charities, industry, government, publishers, and funders.

Accessibility remains central to our mission. Our tiered subscription model sustains our independence while enabling us to support organisations with diverse resources and needs. Alongside this, our extensive collection of free, publicly available resources ensures that organisations and practitioners from all backgrounds can access high-quality guidance.

The subscription model also connects us with a committed community of more than 150 organisations whose insights help shape our work. Their engagement ensures that our services and co-created materials remain responsive to the evolving needs of researchers and research organisations.

OUR SUBSCRIBERS

Our charity is fortunate to be supported by a network of over 150 research organisations committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity.

Our work is made possible by the ongoing support of more than 150 subscribing research organisations committed to research integrity, from higher education institutions to government bodies, charities, social enterprises, and learned societies.

In return for their vital contributions, our subscribers receive direct, tailored support that extends beyond our public services. This includes expert advice, practical tools, and evidence-based guidance to strengthen policies, systems, and culture.

Examples from across our subscriber community

Higher education institutions

University of Oxford, The University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, The University of Manchester

Independent research institutes

Cancer Research UK, Scotland Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory, The James Hutton Institute, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Public Sector Research Establishments

National Physical Laboratory, Rothamsted Research, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Ministry of Defence

Charities and social enterprises

The Francis Crick Institute, Rand Europe, Health Data Research UK, Institute of Cancer Research, National Deaf Children’s Society

Learned societies and funders

The British Academy, The Royal Society, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, The Health Foundation

2024/25 OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS

155 subscriber organisations supported

9,400+ learners registered for our online training courses

120+ requests for confidential advice addressed

25+ outputs published - including guidance, tools and reports

3,600+ attendees hosted at our events

9 collaborative cross-sector projects forged

135 organisations trained in research integrity topics

75,000+ users accessed our website

INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

We maintain an ever-growing collection of guidance, tools, and resources that equip research contributors to embed integrity into their work.

Central to UKRIO’s role as a trusted voice is its library of resources - guidance, reports, case studies, and more - that help the research community foster good practice and tackle emerging challenges.

87% agreed or strongly agreed that the use of UKRIO’s information, advice, and guidance increased their knowledge of good research practice.

Source: 2024/25 Stakeholder Survey (n=116)

Key publications in 2024/25:

- Embracing AI with integrity: Guidance for researchers on upholding research integrity when using AI in research.

- Guidance with Protect, the UK’s whistleblowing charity, to support anyone disclosing concerns about research misconduct and clarify relevant UK law.

- A briefing to aid in navigating changes implemented in the 2025 Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

Spotlight: Embracing AI with integrity

In June 2024, UKRIO published Embracing AI with Integrity, a guidance document to help researchers use AI tools responsibly as adoption accelerates. Developed in response to strong stakeholder demand, it provides clear, accessible advice to ensure AI strengthens - rather than undermines - research integrity.

The guidance addresses key issues for researchers, including legal and ethical standards, responsible dissemination, and the protection of critical thinking skills. It offers adaptable recommendations suitable for all disciplines and career stages.

The guidance forms a key part of UKRIO’s wider work to help the sector adopt AI safely and effectively.

ADVISORY SERVICE

Since 2006, UKRIO has offered independent, expert, and confidential advice on good research practice freely accessible to all.

UKRIO operates a long-standing confidential advisory support in which we offer expert, impartial guidance to individuals facing research integrity concerns in their work.

Each year, we respond to a high volume of enquiries from researchers across disciplines, roles, and countries - particularly those unable to use formal channels or without access to local support. For many, this service offers vital support that helps them protect the integrity of their work.

Our service draws on a network of specialist volunteers, ensuring expert support across diverse areas, ranging from data fabrication to research ethics, authorship and publication, and governance.

Through this work, we gain a unique understanding of the challenges researchers face at the individual, organisational, and system-wide levels - reinforcing our role as a trusted, evidence-driven voice for research integrity.

Advisory service enquiries by main area of concern (2024/25)

Area of concern

Number of enquiries

Research ethics

40

Publications & authorship

33

Good practice in research integrity, governance

21

Outside of UKRIO's remit

11

Other

9

Fabrication, falsification of data

7

Plagiarism

4

Multiple

3

Conflicts of interest

3

Financial issues

1

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

UKRIO helps drive and shape the national conversation on research integrity, keeping it at the forefront of the agenda.

In 2024/25, UKRIO collaborated with other research integrity bodies, cross-sector working groups, publishers, funders and government bodies to champion the importance of research integrity for both the research community and wider society.

94% strongly agreed or agreed that UKRIO is a trusted voice on research integrity matters.

Source: 2024/25 Stakeholder Survey (n=171)

Our thought leadership activities in 2024/25:

- Hosting roundtable discussions with subscribers, discussing practical strategies to address;

Measuring research integrity, AI & research integrity, Authorship & publication and Reducing barriers to

addressing misconduct.

- Publishing a discussion paper on destigmatising language during the investigation of research misconduct.

- Issuing a joint statement with UKRN reflecting on the revised 2025 Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

Spotlight: Discussion paper on terminology changes to destigmatise the investigation of research misconduct

In 2023, UKRIO convened a working group to examine the challenges faced by those reporting and investigating research misconduct. The group’s findings, published in Barriers to Investigating and Reporting Research Misconduct, highlighted that the language commonly used in misconduct processes may unintentionally discourage reporting.

In November 2024, UKRIO published a discussion paper proposing terminology changes to reduce stigma and emphasise that misconduct investigations exist to safeguard the research record. While not a standalone solution, these changes are intended to foster a more supportive reporting culture and improve trust and understanding of the process.

TRAINING

Research integrity training is essential for ensuring research is ethical, high-quality, and effective; and it is increasingly required by funders. Yet stakeholders consistently report that access to affordable, high-quality training remains a barrier.

In response, UKRIO expanded its training offer in 2024/25 and will continue to do so in the years ahead. Our training programme translates UKRIO’s expertise into practical skills and knowledge, helping research contributors build their capabilities and develop as integrity professionals.

Our 2024/25 training services:

Taught training: Sessions ranging from broad introductions to research integrity and culture to specialist training for Research Ethics Committees, senior leadership, and other key roles.

Online training courses: Interactive e-learning for subscribers through Introduction to Research Integrity – a four-module course on the practical foundations of research integrity principles across different roles and disciplines.

Spotlight: Introduction to research integrity

Module 1 - Principles of research integrity.

Module 2 - The UK’s research integrity guidelines, principles, and governance frameworks.

Module 3 - Research integrity in practice.

Module 4 - Fostering a culture of research integrity.

In May 2025, we launched a revamped version of our Introduction to Research Integrity online training course, following a pilot involving nearly 9,000 participants from more than 100 research organisations and a review by cross-disciplinary experts.

The four-module course equips research contributors with the knowledge to embed integrity in their daily work. The updated version includes new specialist content on research ethics, conflicts of interest, data management, authorship, and AI.

EVENTS PROGRAMME

Throughout the year, UKRIO hosts events for the public and subscribers, showcasing leading experts, sharing best practice, highlighting innovation, and providing researchers with opportunities to network and co-create in collaborative forums.

90% attending a UKRIO event in 2024/25 agreed or strongly agreed they would recommend a UKRIO event to a colleague.

Source: 2025 Stakeholder Survey (n=212)

Our events in 2024/25:

5x Expert webinars: Public forums where leading voices shared insights on key issues in research integrity

4x Training webinars: Live sessions that provided subscribers practical skills and insights to enhance research practice

4x Roundtables: Solution-driven sessions where delegates from our subscriber community addressed urgent integrity challenges

1x Symposium: Our annual conference, where we brought together subscribers and guest speakers to discuss key challenges and sector developments

Spotlight: 2025 Subscriber Symposium

In May 2025, UKRIO held its annual subscriber symposium, bringing together over 180 delegates from nearly 80 subscriber organisations. The day was packed with networking, collaboration, and shared insights under the theme: Collaborating to succeed in a time of uncertainty and change in the research landscape.

The event featured Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee as keynote speaker. It also featured a lively panel discussion with:

- Elisabeth Costa, Behavioural Insights Team

- Pippy James, ARIA

- Andrew Jones, Universities UK Board

- Hetan Shah, British Academy

CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATIONS

UKRIO convenes stakeholders from across sectors to develop collaborative, innovative solutions that support the research community in all its diversity.

At UKRIO, we recognise that systemic challenges cannot be solved by any single actor. We are committed to fostering a shared culture of research integrity, where all stakeholders in the research process play their part in upholding good practice.

We work with partners nationally and internationally to tackle the complex, evolving issues affecting research integrity. Through cross-sector initiatives, we bring together diverse perspectives to develop collaborative, practical solutions.

Our cross-sector initiatives in 2024/25:

- Contributed to an initiative led by the Sanger Wellcome Institute to develop an ethical framework for sourcing materials from sentient animals

- Participated in a European Network of Research Integrity Offices working group to map research integrity definitions

- Provided input as a member of UKCORI’s working group examining national systems for handling research misconduct

Spotlight: Authorship workshops

In March 2025, UKRIO hosted two stakeholder workshops as part of a UKRI-commissioned project to promote good authorship practice. These sessions brought together over 80 research contributors from diverse backgrounds to co-develop a range of tools for the research community.

The discussions from these sessions, along with expert input from a cross-sector advisory group, led to the production of our Authorship Integrity Toolkit, published in September 2025.

OUR IMPACT

Feedback from our 2025/25 Stakeholder Survey

"Thinking more broadly about UKRIO’s impact on your organisation and/or the research community, to what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?"

"UKRIO is effective in supporting the research community to promote good research practice and prevent misconduct" (n=165) 87%.

"UKRIO is effective in supporting the research community to promote good research practice and prevent misconduct" (n=165) 81%.

"UKRIO effectively translates research integrity-related into practice for the research community" (n=155) 79%.

"I have observed tangible changes or improvement to research integrity practices and/or policy as a result of UKRIO’s work" (n=143) 57%.

Percentages are those who selected 'Strongly Agree' or 'Agree'

(Excludes those who selected 'I don't know')

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

This section outlines UKRIO's financial position for 2024/25.

In the period 1 August 2024 - 31 July 2025, UKRIO continued to attract and register new subscriber institutions, its principal source of income. By the end of July 2025, 159 research organisations were subscribers to UKRIO, an increase of 26 since the end of July 2024.

During the 12-month period to 31 July 2025, UKRIO recorded £623,761 (2024: £510,411) of incoming resources, £559,562 (2024: £477,255) of which was subscriptions income. During this period, there were resources expended of £607,890 (2024: £485,723), which results in a surplus of £15,871 (2024: £24,688) for the period. With an opening funds balance of £362,524 (2024: £337,836) at 1 August 2024, the closing funds balance is £378,295 (2024: £362,524) at the balance sheet date. This performance is as expected for the period.

Funds accrued by the charity will be expended in pursuit of its charitable objectives, save for a small strategic reserve (see 'Reserves Policy', below).

In order to support the increase in demand for the charity's services and to further develop UKRIO's work programme, the number of staff was increased during the year ended 31st July 2025 from 7 to 8 members of staff. Due to the timeline of recruitment, this led to an increase of salary costs from £281,638 in Year Ending July 2024 to £372,195 in Year Ending July 2025.

INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE

Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year, most of the charity’s funds are to be spent in the short term in order to meet the organisation’s charitable objectives. UKRIO introduced a statement of Investment Policy with a view to generate passive gains to further its objects. It is anticipated the investment approach will be rolled out in Year ending 31st July 2026.

RESERVES POLICY

It has been agreed it is appropriate for UKRIO to maintain strategic reserves sufficient to support unavoidable operating costs of the charity (primarily staff salaries and other contractual obligations) for a period of between 3 and 6 months. The strategic reserve must consist of unrestricted funds.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Guided by stakeholder input, we will be focusing our efforts in 2025/26 where we can most meaningfully support the research community.

To better understand the needs and challenges faced by research contributors, UKRIO carried out an extensive stakeholder consultation at the end of 24/25. The exercise engaged stakeholders from across our subscriber community and the wider sector, providing insights into the range of challenges experienced across disciplines, organisations, and career stages.

Drawing on this survey, we have developed our 2025/26 work programme around the sector’s most pressing needs, focusing on four priority areas:

- Artificial intelligence

- Research culture

- Research ethics

- Preventing and addressing breaches in research integrity

Topics ranked in order of priority by stakeholders, on a scale of 1 to 7 (n=179)

- Artificial intelligence and its research integrity considerations - 2.7

- Enhancing research culture - 3.5

- Research ethics in practice - 3.5

- Developing and promoting research integrity standards - 4.2

- Addressing breaches of research integrity - 4.2

- Existing and emerging research integrity tools - 4.4

- Advancing research integrity in the arts and humanities - 5.4

Training and development

A clear message from our stakeholder consultation was the continued shortage of accessible, high-quality training and the impact this has on supporting good research practices across institutions. To address this gap, UKRIO is expanding its capacity by appointing a new Education and Training Manager, who will lead the enhancement of our training portfolio and strengthen the availability of practical, affordable learning opportunities for the research community.

Our 2025/26 training programme will include:

- Unlimited enrolment for subscribers on our online training courses, including;- Introduction to research integrity - a standalone course launched May 2025- The ethics of research involving human participants - a threecourse suite launched December 2025

- New in-person and virtual workshops, designed in response to identified needs, such as training on managing and investigating allegations of research misconduct

Impact and value for money

Amid financial pressures that can affect how organisation resource research integrity, UKRIO remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality support. In 2025/26, UKRIO will continue to ensure its services and resources are as accessible and as impactful as possible, while maintaining a stable operational model and drawing on the highest levels of expertise. Building on stakeholder feedback, we will also publish our new five-year strategy to ensure resources are targeted where they will have the greatest impact across the research community.

Thought leadership

UKRIO occupies a distinctive role in the research landscape as an independent, cross-sector charity, supporting individuals and organisations to uphold the highest standards of integrity. This works gives us unique insight into sector trends and pressures across the research ecosystem. In 2025/26, we will strengthen our role as a thought leader by convening key stakeholders and guiding system-level discussions on research integrity, supported by our new Director of Policy and External Affairs, who will lead UKRIO’s communications, public affairs, and strategic engagement.

Sector collaborations

A central principle guiding our work is that research integrity is a shared responsibility and a collective endeavour. Feedback from our recent stakeholder consultation consistently highlighted that collaboration across sectors and disciplines enables solutions that draw on diverse perspectives and are adaptable to different contexts; while driving innovation, efficiency, and the overall impact of research.

A key priority for UKRIO in 2025/26 will be to actively pursue new partnerships and collaborative projects across all of our thematic workstreams, fostering shared learning and practical, sector-wide solutions.

Reach and impact

Although awareness of research integrity is growing nationally, embedding its principles across all areas of research remains a key challenge. In 2025/26, UKRIO will focus on extending our reach to a wider audience, including senior leaders, the third and private sectors, and the general public. We will also deepen collaboration with media and science communicators to elevate the visibility of integrity issues and foster a shared commitment to ethical, high-quality research.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Key Activities in 2025/26

Sector outcomes

Artificial intelligence

- Develop practical resources, including a train-the-trainer toolkit and real-world case studies, to support responsible AI use in research.- Support cross-sector initiatives, including advising an NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) project led by the University of Leicester, which is exploring the use of generative AI in qualitative data analysis and its implications for ethical conduct, trust, recruitment, and research inclusion.- Host a roundtable with research organisations, publishers, and funders to discuss responsible AI use in research and the role each stakeholder plays in upholding it.- Help the research community stay informed about the latest AI developments through a regularly updated resource page that consolidates key reports, guidance, and examples of good practice.

- Greater consistency and confidence in responsible AI use, supported by practical guidance, case studies, and shared training resources across institutions.- Strengthened cross-sector alignment on Responsible AI use, through collaboration with funders, publishers, and research organisations.- Improved ethical practice and participant protection, particularly in areas like qualitative analysis, inclusion, and transparency.- A more informed and AI-literate research community, aided by accessible, regularly updated resources tracking emerging developments and good practice.

Research culture

- Embed good authorship practice into research culture through tools developed through supporting collaborative thinking and progress on discussing authorship disputes.- Strengthen institutional support by releasing revised guidance for establishing research integrity champions.- Deliver targeted training for subscribers focused on researcher wellbeing and promoting integrity driven research environments.- Host an expert webinar on the role research supervisors play to foster an inclusive and positive research culture, including practical strategies they can employ.- Support a project led by Sense about Science and Taylor & Francis to develop an integrity toolkit for early career researchers.

- More transparent and collaborative research cultures, supported by clearer authorship expectations and tools that help resolve disputes constructively.- Stronger institutional cultures of integrity, enabled by well-defined research integrity champion roles that embed good practice at every level.- Healthier, more supportive research environments, driven by targeted training on researcher wellbeing and integrity-focused skills and development.- Better-equipped supervisors and early career researchers, with practical strategies and toolkits that promote inclusive, positive environments.

Research ethics

- Launch an online research ethics training course, co-developed with the University of Suffolk, to provide researchers with a strong foundation to navigate ethical challenges.- Release revised core tools produced in partnership with ARMA, including a Research Ethics Framework, REC review panel checklist, audit tool, and risk assessment matrix.- Convene a roundtable discussion on ethical considerations in international and interdisciplinary collaborations.- Host expert webinars exploring key ethical concerns, such as the use of animal materials in research.

- Improved ethical competence across the research community, supported by accessible training that strengthens researchers’ ability to navigate complex ethical challenges.- Greater consistency and rigour in ethics review processes, enabled by updated frameworks, checklists, and assessment tools used across institutions.- More ethically robust international and interdisciplinary collaborations, informed by shared discussion of crossborder and cross-disciplinary ethical risks.- Enhanced sector awareness of emerging ethical issues, through expert-led webinars that deepen understanding of areas such as the use of animal materials in research.

Preventing and addressing breaches in research integrity

- Pilot and launch a train-the-trainer toolkit to support those investigating potential research misconduct in carrying out their roles effectively.- Develop Detailed and Universal Misconduct Procedures - step-by step manuals and templates for research organisations to use or adapt as they see fit.- Contribute to cross-sector and subscriber initiatives, including;A project led by Wellcome Trust and UKRI to develop learning modules on data sharing in misconduct cases UKCORI’s work to examine poor research practice and research misconduct;UKCORI’s work to examine poor research practice and research misconduct and;A project led by the University of Nottingham to produce guidance on handling non genuine participants in online research- Increase accessibility of misconduct guidance by publishing an updated, organised resource page that consolidates existing and refreshed information, advice, and guidance.

- More effective and consistent misconduct investigations, enabled by accessible train-the-trainer resources that build skills and confidence in those handling potential breaches.- Stronger organisational procedures for managing integrity concerns, supported by clear, adaptable misconduct manuals and templates that promote fair, transparent, and timely processes.- Improved sector-wide approaches to emerging integrity risks, through collaboration on data-sharing guidance, understanding poor practice, and managing non-genuine participants in online research.- Greater access to reliable, centralised misconduct guidance, through an updated and organised resource page that helps institutions navigate their cases efficiently and consistently.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION MAKING

UKRIO is a Charity by guarantee with charitable status (Registered Charity no. 1147061). It consists of four elements:

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The Board of Trustees directs and oversees the strategy and programme of work of UKRIO. The Trustees include the Chair and Vice-Chair of UKRIO.

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The Advisory Council is Co-Chaired by a UKRIO Trustee and consists of members selected for their expertise in research integrity and related issues, as well as independent and lay members. Its function is to advise on, and oversee, the strategy and programme of work of UKRIO. Unlike the Trustees, the Advisory Council hold no legal responsibility for the organisation.

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The Expert Community provides an expert resource which UKRIO draws upon when responding to specialist enquiries on issues of research integrity. Recognising their broad experience in research matters, expert community members also give feedback on the wider work of UKRIO on request and are given the opportunity to contribute to other elements of the programme of work.Expert community members hold no legal responsibility for the organisation and must agree to adhere to UKRIO’s volunteer agreement which includes Confidentiality clauses.

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The Office team carries out UKRIO’s programme of work in line with the UKRIO’s strategic vision and in order to meet its charitable objects.

The Trustees, members of the Advisory Council and members of the Expert Community are not employees of UKRIO and give their time to the organisation on a voluntary basis. The many successes of our organisation could not have been achieved without their generous and expert support. Appropriate insurances have been procured to cover Trustees, members of the Advisory Council and Expert community members acting on behalf of UKRIO.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees of UKRIO have a responsibility for the management of risks. A review of the major risks to the work of UKRIO has been undertaken through which the risks have been identified, reviewed and processes put in place to mitigate and manage the risks. The Trustees acknowledge that risk management is not a one-off event but an integral part of the operation of the charity. A risk register is updated and reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees. All Trustees, staff and volunteers have a role to play in the process of identifying and managing risks.

The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) employs several strategies to mitigate principal risks associated with its advisory role. To address litigation risks from advice provided, UKRIO ensures full professional indemnity insurance for its staff and volunteers, including trustees and advisory council members as well as its expert community. Through UKRIO’s terms of use for its advisory service, UKRIO makes clear that any advice is given without legal responsibility, and recipients rely on it at their own risk.

UKRIO clarifies that its guidance is practical rather than legal, specific to each enquiry, and not intended for use in legal proceedings. Additionally, UKRIO does not investigate research misconduct, impose sanctions, or act as an advocate or mediator, which helps limit its legal exposure.

To mitigate reputational risks, UKRIO strives to provide high-quality, well-informed information, advice, and guidance and clearly communicates its role and limitations. The organisation ensures that its staff and volunteers adhere to professional conduct standards and relevant policies, including a Code of Conduct and Communications and Media Policy. Public statements are issued centrally to maintain consistency and integrity.

UKRIO also addresses potential financial risks by regularly reviewing its projected income and implementing robust financial controls. The charity acknowledges that a large part of its subscription base, its primary source of funding, is made up of higher education institutions which are facing acute financial pressures.

With increasing financial pressures also comes the possibility of a rise in poor research practice and perverse incentives and UKRIO is actively working to enhance the resources and services it provides to ensure it supports the research community during these challenging times. Separately, the charity is also seeking to diversify its funding sources to ensure the sustainability of its operations.

UKRIO’s commitment to ethical funding is evident in its organisational values of respect, accountability, honesty, rigour, and transparency. External funding does not divert UKRIO from its agreed aims and values, and donations do not entitle any individual or organisation to decision-making authority. UKRIO does not share confidential information with its funders and ensures that no single funding source compromises its independence. The organisation generates income through subscriptions, training, events, and applications to trusts, foundations, and commissioning bodies. Decisions on funding are made at Board level, in accordance with legal and statutory requirements.

UKRIO also takes extensive measures to protect data and ensure health and safety. All data related to its operations are stored securely, with computer files encrypted and cloud storage systems meeting industry standards for security and encryption.

Human resources and financial records are managed by a third party in accordance with UKRIO’s Data and Privacy Policy. Health and safety policies are in place, with staff adhering to guidelines provided by their co-working office space. Additionally, UKRIO has a clear policy on data protection and confidentiality, regularly reviewing its processes to comply with GDPR and other regulations and is developing an AI Policy and governance framework.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 8 April 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

L Patridge - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of UK Research Integrity Office Ltd ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mr C Morey

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Plus Accounting

Chartered Accountants

Preston Park House

South Road

Brighton

East Sussex

BN1 6SB

8 April 2026

2025

2024

Unrestricted

fund

Total funds

Notes

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Charitable activities

3

Charitiable activities

559,562

477,255

Other trading activities

2

64,199

33,156

Total

623,761

510,411

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

4

Charitiable activities

546,437

435,146

Other

61,453

50,577

Total

607,890

485,723

NET INCOME

15,871

24,688

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

362,524

337,836

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

378,395

362,524

2025

2024

Unrestricted

fund

Total funds

Notes

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Intangible assets

10

7,430

7,821

Tangible assets

11

438

1,582

7,868

9,403

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

12

387,511

393,679

Cash at bank

579,916

485,821

967,427

879,500

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

13

(596,900

)

(526,379

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

370,527

353,121

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

378,395

362,524

NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)

378,395

362,524

FUNDS

14

Unrestricted funds

378,395

362,524

TOTAL FUNDS

378,395

362,524

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 8 April 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

L Patridge - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

94,095

(102,134

)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

94,095

(102,134

)

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible fixed assets

-

(7,821

)

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

-

(1,609

)

Sale of tangible fixed assets

-

1

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

-

(9,429

)

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

94,095

(111,563

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

485,821

597,384

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

579,916

485,821

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2025

2024

£

£

Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)

15,871

24,688

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

1,535

1,601

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

-

815

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

6,168

(163,131

)

Increase in creditors

70,521

33,893

Net cash provided by/(used in) operations

94,095

(102,134

)

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.8.24

Cash flow

At 31.7.25

£

£

£

Net cash

Cash at bank

485,821

94,095

579,916

485,821

94,095

579,916

Total

485,821

94,095

579,916

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

Company status

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

Income

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of financial activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Income for the sale of subscriptions is recognised as the subscription progresses. Revenue received in advance is included in creditors.

Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.

Governance costs

The trustees have assessed the usage of expenditure and consider 10% to be an appropriate proportion to include as other governance costs. For 2025 other governance costs total £61,307 (2024: £49,692).

Governance costs also includes accountancy and bookkeeping which are deemed to be 100% governance costs. These costs total £14,792 for 2025 (2024: £10,954).

Intangible fixed assets

Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. After initial recognition, intangible assets are measured at costs less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Development costs are being amortised evenly over their estimated useful life of 5 years.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Office equipment

-

3 years straight line

At each balance sheet date, the company reviews the carrying amount of its assets to determine whether there is any indication that any items have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.