The Novel and Underutilised Crop Network (NUCNet) brings together members from higher education institutions, plant breeders, food manufacturers, charities, third-sector organisations, policy groups, NGOs, and community organisations.
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all members.
By joining NUCNet, members agree to uphold these principles to help maintain a fair, inclusive, and respectful network. We expect network members to be adhere to “The Seven Principles of Public Life.”
Respectful Behaviour
Members must treat all other participants with courtesy, professionalism, and respect. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or demeaning behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA)
NUCNet is committed to being open, fair, and inclusive. We encourage participation from all sectors, career stages, and backgrounds. Leadership and decision‑making structures, including the Early Career Researcher Management Board, will reflect this commitment.
Health and Safety
All members are expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and ensure that their actions do not endanger others. Members should follow the relevant policies of their own organisation when participating in network activities.
Research Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of research integrity. This includes adhering to relevant UKRI and BBSRC ethics and integrity policies, and conducting all research‑related activities with honesty, rigour, and transparency. UKRI ethical research and innovation. Activities that take place directly or indirectly through NUCNet should have ethics approval from the host institute where appropriate.
Contact with the Media
If a member is invited to speak publicly, deliver a lecture, or participate in a broadcast as a representative of the network, approval must be sought from the Network Leadership Team before confirming participation. To contact the Network Leadership Team, use the email address in the document footer.
Social Media Use
We welcome communication about NUCNet events and activities. When doing so, members should:
- Post responsibly, professionally, and lawfully
- Respect colleagues, partners, and network participants
- Follow their home institution’s policies on electronic communications
- Avoid sharing confidential or sensitive information
- The network’s social media channels are listed in this documents’ footer.
Confidentiality
Members must not disclose confidential information obtained through their involvement in the network, unless authorised by the Network Leadership Team or legally required to do so.
Conflicts of Interest
Any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest must be declared to the Network Management Board, who will determine whether it affects participation in the network’s activities.
Publications, Broadcasts and Lectures
Where NUCNet activities contribute to publications, talks, or media appearances:
- Contributions should be acknowledged appropriately
- Authors and presenters must ensure accuracy, professionalism, and integrity
- Sensitive, confidential, or unpublished information must not be shared without explicit permission from the data owner, project lead, or any relevant collaborating person(s), institution(s) or other collaborator(s).
Safeguarding
Members must ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults during any network activities in which they participate and must follow their own organisation’s safeguarding policies.
Breaches of the Code & Raising Concerns
Concerns about behaviour or potential breaches of this Code should be reported to the Network Leadership Team (contact us). Reports will be handled sensitively, and appropriate action will be taken.
Updates to This Code
NUCNet may revise this Code of Conduct periodically. Members will be notified of any significant changes. Last updated April 2026.
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