Code of Practice

SEFCE Code of Practice

SEFCE has adopted a set of regulations to cover the use of its website, by university and NHS staff, students and any other persons authorised to use it.

Users must abide by the policies or codes as relevant:

  • the University and NHS Codes of Practice for Dealing with Personal Harassment for staff or students, and any related documents 
  •  the relevant staff disciplinary policy (for academic and academic-related staff or non-teaching staff) 
  • the Rules for the Guidance of Staff 
  • the Statement of Professional Standards
  • the Code of Student Discipline

 

And external codes such as:

  • the Acceptable Use Policy of the Joint Academic Network (JANET) available on the Web at http://www.ja.net/documents/publications/policy/aup.pdf (PDF) 
  • the Combined Higher Education Software Team (CHEST) available at http://www.chest.ac.uk/conduct.html 
  • the Computing Regulations or similar codes imposed by remote sites, where their computing facilities are accessed or used by SEFCE users 

It is not the intention of SEFCE that these Regulations should be used to limit unreasonably recognized academic freedoms. 

 

Regulations

1. Status of Regulations

Breach of these Regulations is a disciplinary offence and may be dealt with under the appropriate disciplinary code or procedures. Where an offence has occurred under UK or Scots law, it may also be reported to the police or other appropriate authority. The rules applicable to investigating breaches or suspected breaches are in Reg 4 below.

2. Compliance with UK civil and criminal law

Users must comply with the provisions of any current UK or Scots law, including but not restricted to:

  1. intellectual property law, including laws concerning copyright, trademarks, and patents 
  2. the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and associated instruments 
  3. data protection laws, and 
  4. the interception and monitoring laws under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA 2000). 

Under the Lawful Business Regulations (LBR), SEFCE draws to the attention of all users the fact that their communications may be intercepted where lawful under RIPA 2000. Users must also comply with the terms of any licence agreement between SEFCE and a third party which governs the use of hardware, software or access to data.

3. Security, confidentiality and passwords

Users must take all reasonable care to maintain the security of files to which they have been given access. The confidentiality, integrity and security of all personally identifying data held on the SEFCE website must be respected, even where users have been authorised to access it.

4. Investigation of breaches

If SEFCE suspects any breach or potential breach of the Regulations, it shall have full and unrestricted power to access all files and to take all steps which it may deem reasonable to remove or prevent distribution of any material. SEFCE may also immediately suspend a user's access to the website pending an investigation by an Authorised Officer or nominee of SEFCE as defined in the relevant Discipline Code. 

5. Liability

By using the website each user agrees that SEFCE shall have no liability for

  • loss or corruption of any, file or files or data, contained therein 
  • loss or damage (excluding any liability for personal injury or death) to users or to third parties, or their equipment, operating systems or other assets  resulting from the use of the SEFCE website or any withdrawal of the use of said facilities at any time by SEFCE.

Each user agrees that SEFCE has the right to take legal action against individuals who cause it to suffer loss or damage, including damage to its reputation, or be involved in legal proceedings as a result of their breach of these Regulations, and to seek reimbursement of such loss, or any associated costs including the costs of legal proceedings.