However, we need to be confident about those we collaborate with and their motivations for working with us. At Loughborough, we pride ourselves on being authentic – honest, trustworthy and open – and being responsible – accountable for our actions, caring for ourselves and others. But we must be aware that not everyone shares our values. Some organisations and institutions that we want to work with operate in nations whose democratic and ethical values are different from our own. 

We therefore need to be mindful of the national and economic security risks that could ensue from whatever we’re doing. We all have a duty to take a responsible approach to our interactions with external organisations, both at home and abroad, and we should expect this of our partners too. 

We have developed some guidance on Safer Partnerships and Trusted Research. The website explains why it’s important to be careful about who we work with and the issues we should consider when entering into partnerships or working in collaboration with others. There is also a Due Diligence tool to guide you through the questions we should ask before every new engagement with a potential partner – whether for research, innovation, education, sport or commercial activity. 

Knowing our partners and managing the risks of our activities proportionately will help to maintain the quality, integrity and reputation of our activity, the University and the UK higher education sector – and ensure the University can work safely towards its strategic aims.