Our Core Values

Our values describe what matters to us. They describe how we work, how we make decisions and how we seek to make an impact. Whilst, over time NIESR’s strategy and approach will evolve and adapt in order to meet new challenges, our values will remain constant.

We have integrity

We are independent and our work is impartial. We challenge accepted paradigms and produce impactful and meaningful research to help people understand the issues which affect them. We want our work to shape policy and practice in ways that improve people’s lives.

This means that we:

  • Ensure our work is informed and accurate; striving for exceptional standards in everything we do.
  • Are courageous, constructively challenging ideas, behaviours or actions and proposing better policy.
  • Are honest and authentic in our work and in our behaviour.
  • Take responsibility for our work and for our actions.
  • Ensure that our research, office, and financial practices are ethical and sustainable.

We are transparent

We contribute to the national and international conversation and strive to make our work and ideas open to all. We are open to new questions, ideas, and approaches, and we seek out opportunities to explore and understand. We prioritise ensuring that our research is accessible and impactful across sectors and communities. We promote and welcome comments and constructive challenge as a way of improving and growing.

This means we:

  • Are intellectually curious, listening to understand first and then respond.
  • Ask for and take on board constructive comments from colleagues, partners, and stakeholders so that we can improve and develop.
  • Promote a culture of openness and continuous learning.
  • Speak and write plainly and concisely.
  • Seek out and share new ideas and approaches and look for ways to collaborate.

We are respectful

We treat all with dignity. We recognise and value different skills, knowledge, and experience, and we draw on this diversity to improve the quality of our work and its impact with our stakeholders. We recognise and acknowledge the challenges faced by others and accordingly provide support. We know that behind the analysis and numbers there are people who deserve respect.

This means that we:

  • Treat colleagues and stakeholders with respect and dignity and trust them to perform to the best of their ability.
  • Recognise and value the different experience, skills, and knowledge that that everyone has, and are always open to learning from others.
  • Give people credit and encouragement for their contributions.
  • Are empathetic and understanding, providing support to our colleagues to identify, and overcome personal or professional challenges.