Ethics Board

Sara has completed her Ph.D. at Loughborough University, School of Business and Economics. Her research examined knowledge processes within the cross-boundary collaboration of the large bureaucratic organisations and small/medium sized firms in the video games industry.

Sara has extensive teaching experience that began with the founding of her own college, where she administered a large number of staff and grew from a single class to an organisation of 2000-plus students. She has taught within multiple disciplines, including Business and Entrepreneurship, Knowledge Management, Research Methods, Study Skills and English within UK institutions.

Senior leader with a 15 year international experience in HR transformation and optimisation projects in several industries: banking (ex-Citi), fintech, education, management consultancy, engineering and metallurgy.

Strong background in customer relations and senior management partnership in global companies, including top business schools AMBA, AACSB, EFMD, EQUIS accredited: Kingston Business School, London and Moscow School of Management Skolkovo.

5 year experience of MBA and Executive Education Portfolio leadership (revenues, profitability, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, quality, product development, building collaborative partnerships with industry bodies, customers and vendors at strategic level).

An experienced professional with a focus on teaching, marketing and personal development. An energetic leader with over 20 years of experience within both the Educational and Social Enterprise space. A specific interest in leading teams/groups through the change cycle with results in the youth sector as well as whilst working in partnership with government departments and other non-statutory organisations. A permanent lecturer and manager with Northern Regional College and an Associate lecturer at Ulster University ; Ulster Business School Gerry is a recognised speaker on corporate governance, ethics and risk management as well as strategic human resource management; fields which are ever changing in today's business environment which faces increasing changes in government regulation and policy

The Ethics Board at AIBM (American Institute of Business Management) plays a critical role in ensuring that the institute maintains the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its operations. Here are the functions and responsibilities of the AIBM Ethics Board:

1. Policy Development:

  •    Develop, review, and update ethical guidelines, policies, and procedures for faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.
  •    Ensure that all institute activities, programs, and initiatives adhere to established ethical standards and principles.

2. Ethics Education and Training:

  •    Provide ethics education and training programs for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of ethical issues and best practices.
  •    Develop and deliver training modules, workshops, and seminars on topics such as academic integrity, professional conduct, conflict of interest, and responsible research practices.

3. Ethics Oversight and Compliance:

  •    Oversee compliance with ethical standards, regulations, and codes of conduct within the institute.
  •    Review and investigate allegations of ethical misconduct, including plagiarism, fraud, academic dishonesty, and other violations of ethical standards.
  •    Establish procedures for reporting and addressing ethical concerns, including mechanisms for confidential reporting and whistleblower protection.

4. Research Ethics:

  •    Review research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical principles, regulatory requirements, and institutional policies.
  •    Provide guidance and support to researchers on issues such as informed consent, privacy protection, data management, and conflicts of interest.
  •    Monitor ongoing research projects to ensure continued adherence to ethical standards and guidelines.

5. Conflict Resolution:

  •    Mediate conflicts and disputes related to ethical issues, ensuring fair and impartial resolution.
  •    Provide guidance and support to individuals and groups involved in ethical dilemmas, helping them navigate complex ethical decisions and find mutually acceptable solutions.

6. Policy Advocacy and Review:

  •    Advocate for the adoption of ethical standards and best practices within the institute and the broader community.
  •    Review existing policies and procedures to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with evolving ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

7. Advisory Role:

  •    Serve as a resource and advisor to institute leadership, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders on ethical issues and concerns.
  •    Provide guidance and recommendations on ethical decision-making, risk management, and institutional governance.

8. Continuous Improvement:

  •    Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Ethics Board’s policies, procedures, and initiatives.
  •    Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhancement of the institute’s ethical culture, practices, and governance.

9. Public Engagement and Transparency:

  •    Engage with the public, media, and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the institute’s ethical standards and practices.
  •    Communicate regularly with stakeholders about the Ethics Board’s activities, decisions, and recommendations.

10. Collaboration and Partnerships:

  • Collaborate with other internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, professional organizations, and peer institutions, to promote ethical behavior and best practices.
  •     Establish partnerships and collaborations to enhance the institute’s capacity to address ethical challenges and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility.

The Ethics Board at AIBM plays a crucial role in upholding the institute’s commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability. By developing and enforcing ethical standards, providing education and training, and fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility, the Ethics Board helps to ensure that AIBM maintains the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its operations.

  1. Nomination:
  •    The AIBM executive leadership team and existing members of the Ethics Board identify potential candidates for the board based on their expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical principles.
  1. Invitation:
  •    Selected candidates are formally invited to join the AIBM Ethics Board. The invitation includes information about the board’s mission, responsibilities, and expectations regarding ethical conduct and integrity.
  1. Acceptance:
  •    Candidates who accept the invitation to join the AIBM Ethics Board confirm their commitment to uphold ethical standards and actively participate in board meetings, activities, and initiatives.
  1. Orientation:
  •    New board members participate in an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the institute’s ethical guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  •    They receive an overview of the Ethics Board’s role, responsibilities, operating procedures, and meeting schedule.
  1. Formal Appointment:
  •    Upon acceptance of the invitation and completion of the orientation session, new board members are formally appointed to the AIBM Ethics Board by the institute’s executive leadership team.
  1. Term of Appointment:
  •    Board members are typically appointed for a specific term, such as two or three years, with the possibility of renewal for additional terms.
  •    The institute’s bylaws or governance policies may specify the length of board member terms and the process for reappointment.
  1. Diversity and Representation:
  •    The appointment process prioritizes diversity and representation to ensure that the AIBM Ethics Board reflects a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise.
  •    Efforts are made to include representatives from different sectors of the business community, academia, government, and non-profit organizations.
  1. Ongoing Recruitment:
  •    The executive leadership team and existing Ethics Board members continuously identify and recruit new candidates for the board to fill vacancies and maintain board effectiveness.
  •    Recruitment efforts focus on identifying individuals with diverse backgrounds, expertise, and experience who are committed to upholding ethical standards and principles.
  1. Performance Evaluation:
  •    Regular performance evaluations are conducted to assess the effectiveness of Ethics Board members in fulfilling their responsibilities.
  •    Board members are evaluated based on their adherence to ethical standards, participation in board activities, and contributions to ethical policy development and enforcement.
  1. Continuous Improvement:
  •     The appointment process is periodically reviewed and revised to ensure that it remains effective, transparent, and aligned with the institute’s ethical standards and objectives.
  •      Feedback from board members, institute leadership, and other stakeholders is solicited to identify areas for improvement and refinement in the appointment process and board operations.

The appointment process of the AIBM Ethics Board is designed to attract and retain qualified individuals who can provide valuable guidance, expertise, and oversight to ensure that the institute maintains the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its operations. By prioritizing diversity, representation, and ongoing recruitment, the board ensures that it remains responsive to the evolving ethical challenges and responsibilities facing the institute and its stakeholders.