Justice systems in low-resource and conflict-affected settings are often stretched to breaking point. In Malawi, for example, fewer than 800 lawyers serve a population of 22 million, and legal aid caseloads run into the tens of thousands
The Concordat to Support Research Integrity is a UK-wide framework that sets out the responsibilities for research organisations to maintain the highest standard of integrity in research. It provides a shared commitment to honest, accountable, and ethical research practice.
Compliance with the Concordat is important because it ensures that publicly funded research is conducted responsibly, transparently, and to the highest ethical standards.
In December 2025, the FCDO published its Statement of Compliance with the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
The statement sets out how the FCDO upholds research integrity across its research, evidence and technology innovation activities.
Research integrity is overseen by the Chief Scientific Adviser and the Research and Analysis Directorate (RAD). The Research Advisory Group provides independent scientific challenge to strengthen the quality of FCDO’s research portfolio.
All research aligns with internationally recognised standards, including OECD definitions, UK Government frameworks, and FCDO’s own Programme Operating Framework. FCDO is committed to Open Science, with outputs published openly following quality assurance.
FCDO maintains a zero-tolerance policy on research misconduct and provides clear mechanism for reporting concerns.
Read the full FCDO annual statement of compliance with the Concordat to Support Research Integrity 2024 to 2025.
Justice systems in low-resource and conflict-affected settings are often stretched to breaking point. In Malawi, for example, fewer than 800 lawyers serve a population of 22 million, and legal aid caseloads run into the tens of thousands
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