Governance and Safeguarding
How our research is governed, how providers are checked, and how we handle data about children and families. A child’s data is never a revenue line.
Our commitments
Four promises sit behind everything we do. The sections below show how each one is kept, and who is responsible.
- 01
Research is governed
Our studies are reviewed, consent-led and open about who funds them.
- 02
Independence is protected
Funders and clients do not shape what we publish or what we push for.
- 03
Providers are checked
Anyone who works with children through us meets our standards first.
- 04
Findings are published, people are not
What we publish is aggregated and does not identify anyone.
How our research is governed
We publish what we learn, so how we learn it has to hold up.
Before and during a study
- Every study is reviewed before fieldwork begins.
- Taking part is optional, and consent is explained in plain language.
- We collect only what the question needs.
Independence and funders
- Sponsors, partners and clients do not influence what we publish.
- Where a funder has an interest in a study, we declare it on the output.
- Findings go out whether or not they flatter us.
Partners and providers protection
Anyone who works with children or their data through us meets our standards first.
What we ask of them
- Adopt our safeguarding policy, or show one of a similar standard.
- Follow our code of conduct around children.
- Report any concern through our procedure.
What we check
- Background and referee checks for people who work with children.
- Training on safeguarding before work begins.
- How they store and protect data. See our privacy and data page.
Data about children and families
Our line
A child's data is never a revenue line. We do not sell it, rent it or use it for advertising.
In practice
- A parent or guardian is asked for consent first, and the child is asked in words they can follow.
- Images and recordings need written consent.
- What we publish is aggregated and never identifies a child or family.
Policies and documents
- Safeguarding policy
- Code of conduct
- Research governance