Overseas projects usually involve working with research partners and other third parties. All relationships with third parties entered into by the University should be subject to due consideration at the appropriate level. Suitable due diligence checks and risk assessments are required before establishing these relationships. Researchers working overseas should also be mindful of their safeguarding responsibilities.
Funded Research Third Party Due Diligence, Managing Risk and Safeguarding
- 1. Identifying Partners
- 2. Due Diligence Framework for Funded Research Third Parties 
- 3. Managing Risks
- 4. Safeguarding for Research Projects
Many research projects will involve working with new and existing external partners (UK and overseas) who are responsible for delivering aspects of the overall programme. Third party relationships should support the University mission and strategic aims while being consistent with the University overall objectives. More information can be found on the Identifying Partners w±ð²ú±è²¹²µ±ð.
Relationships Policy
All proposed formalised institutional relationships where Imperiaintends to, or does, enter into a contract with a third party, including relationships entered into by or in connection with º£½ÇÉçÇø, must be reviewed under the University Relationships Policy. 
The level of due diligence required will depend on the nature of the proposed activity, the associated risks, and the profile of the external organisation involved. If you are unsure what checks are required, please contact your relevant Due Diligence Coordinator  for advice on the appropriate level of review. Further information is available in the Relationships Policy  ·É±ð²ú±è²¹²µ±ð²õ. 
Once the organisation and proposed activity have been appropriately assessed and the overall relationship approved under the Relationships Policy, any funded third party involved in the research must also undergo enhanced due diligence.  
 T³ó±ð Due Diligence Framework for Funded Research Third Parties developed by Research Support and Compliance Division to comply with research funder terms and conditions, sets out the requirements for this additional review of funded research third parties. This enhanced due diligence is carried out using a dedicated questionnaire, to be completed for each funded third party before the collaboration agreement is finalised. Each questionnaire assesses a range of potential risks associated with the relationship, including financial, reputational, ethical, safeguarding and geopolitical considerations. 
Guidance on the key risk areas, how risk is measured and the possible mitigating actions to manage risk can be found on the Managing Risks webpage.
Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm. Within research projects this may include staff, students and collaborators and anyone in the UK or overseas who is directly affected by the research activities, e.g. research subjects, patients, local communities etc. Imperiahas policies and procedures to support researchers in the identification, disclosure and mitigation of Safeguarding concerns. More information can be found on the Safeguarding for Research Projects webpage.