Ofsted's ethical research policy
We explain how we carry out research in an ethical way.
Applies to England
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Details
Ofsted is fully committed to high-quality research carried out according to ethical principles.
We aim to ensure that all research by Ofsted employees, or on behalf of Ofsted, is carried out in a way that protects all those doing the research as well as those taking part in it. This document sets out how we carry out ethical research and provides information to anyone carrying out research on behalf of Ofsted.
Updates to this page
Last updated
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We have clarified how we will work ethically with secondary data: we will analyse it according to the participants’ original consent and protect it in the same way as primary data. We have explained that we will address any potential power imbalances between adults, children and young people during research. The policy now includes 6 core principles instead of 3, in line with Government Social Research guidelines. We have removed the section on appropriate use of incentives or rewards.
Update history
2026-05-08 09:30
We have added a section on the use of artificial intelligence in research at Ofsted and by research teams working with Ofsted.
2025-02-27 09:30
We have clarified how we will work ethically with secondary data: we will analyse it according to the participants’ original consent and protect it in the same way as primary data. We have explained that we will address any potential power imbalances between adults, children and young people during research. The policy now includes 6 core principles instead of 3, in line with Government Social Research guidelines. We have removed the section on appropriate use of incentives or rewards.