* Where possible, try to resolve the matter informally in the first instance, by raising it with the individual concerned, or with your line manager or Head of Department (HoD). You, your line manager or your HoD may contact your Faculty’s HR team to seek advice and initiate an resolution process. For example, this may involve identifying an independent academic who can advise on the situation, or may involve a discussion with your Departmental Director of Research or the Faculty Director of Research & Innovation. Options will be discussed but can include arranging a facilitated meeting to explore the issues.

* If your line manager or HoD deem the matter to be serious, they may refer the matter to the Research Ethics & Integrity Manager in Research Services (https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/research-services/about/contact#Research-integrity-and-ethics) to be dealt with under the University’s Procedure for Investigating and Responding to Allegations of Misconduct (https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/policies/research-misconduct)

* If your concerns relate to your own line manager, you may feel that you are in a particularly difficult situation, and may not feel able to raise your concerns directly with them. In such circumstances you should discuss the matter with a more senior manager or your HoD. Alternatively, you can contact your Faculty’s HR team to seek advice on how to proceed.

* If your concerns relate to your HoD, or if you are not satisfied with the outcome of any attempts to resolve the matter informally, you can make a formal allegation, in writing, to the Research Ethics & Integrity Manager (https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/research-services/about/contact#Research-integrity-and-ethics), and this will be taken forward in line with the University’s Procedure for Investigating and Responding to Allegations of Misconduct. All allegations made under this procedure will be treated in a confidential and sensitive manner.

* If you wish, you can also discuss the matter informally with the Research Ethics & Integrity Manager (https://staff.sheffield.ac.uk/research-services/about/contact#Research-integrity-and-ethics) in Research Services, for general advice on the University’s expectations with respect to good research practice/what constitutes unacceptable research practice, and to discuss how to proceed with raising a concern.