Edit Right AdvisorsEthics and Integrity
Edit Right Advisors works to recognized professional standards in grant writing, program design, research, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). We charge fixed fees, never a share of any grant. We declare conflicts, tell clients the truth about their chances, never invent data, protect the people our work reaches, and welcome concerns.
What ethical standards guide our grant work?
We follow the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Code of Ethics (opens in a new tab). The Code states that members “shall work for a salary/wage or fee” and shall not accept a finder’s fee, commission, or “percentage compensation based on grants.” We hold to that rule. Our fees are set in a written agreement before work starts, and they never depend on whether a grant is awarded.
In practice, this means:
- No commission or percentage-of-grant fees. We will explain why if a client or a request for proposals asks for one.
- Conflicts of interest declared. If we have a link to a funder, a competing applicant, or a reviewer, we tell the client in writing before we start, and we step back if the conflict cannot be managed.
- Honesty about chances. We tell clients when an opportunity is a poor fit, and we never promise an award. Funding decisions rest with the funder.
- No invented data. Every figure, quote, and claim in our work traces to a real source or to information the client provides and approves. We do not fabricate results, partnerships, credentials, or references.
- Confidentiality. Client materials stay with that client. We do not reuse or show them without written permission.
We use artificial intelligence (AI) tools only under human review, and a qualified person approves every output. Read Our AI Philosophy (opens in a new tab) for how this works.
How do we safeguard the people our work reaches?
We take a zero tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Our commitments align with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Six Core Principles Relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (opens in a new tab) (2019 revision), which treat such acts as “gross misconduct.”
Anyone engaged by us, including associates and subcontractors, must:
- never exchange money, work, goods, services, or assistance for sex
- never engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18
- never misuse their position or power over another person
- report any concern about exploitation, abuse, or harassment
During fieldwork, we follow the client’s safeguarding policy and reporting procedures as well as our own. You can report a concern to us by email at hello@editright.io, or through the client organization’s own reporting channel. We take every report seriously and protect the identity of the person who raises it as far as the law allows. Where required, we refer the report to the responsible organization or authority.
How do we conduct research and evaluation ethically?
Our research and evaluation work follows the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) Ethical Guidelines for Evaluation (opens in a new tab) (2020), built on four principles: integrity, accountability, respect, and beneficence. We frame evaluation questions with the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) evaluation criteria (opens in a new tab): relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability.
We commit to:
- Informed consent. Participants learn the purpose of the work, how their information will be used, and that they can decline or stop at any time without penalty.
- Do no harm. We assess risks to participants before data collection, take extra care with children and other people at risk, and pause or adapt the work if harm cannot be avoided.
- Privacy. We collect only the data an assignment needs and remove names and identifying details from reports unless a participant agrees otherwise.
- Data protection. Participant data is stored securely, shared only as the agreement allows, and handled under our Data Protection Policy.
- Fair reporting. We report findings as they are, including results a client may not welcome.
How can you raise a concern or complaint?
Email hello@editright.io. You can raise feedback, a complaint, or a concern about our conduct, our work, or anyone engaged on our behalf. Say what happened, when, and what outcome you would like. You do not need to be a client.
We handle every concern confidentially and share details only with the people who need them to resolve it, or where the law requires. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Under our existing policies, “We answer general inquiries within two business days. Detailed or technical inquiries receive a full response within five business days.” We will tell you how we plan to handle your concern and what we decide.
How do we prevent bribery and fraud?
We do not offer, pay, request, or accept bribes, kickbacks, or facilitation payments, directly or through anyone else. We do not give or receive gifts or hospitality that could influence a funding, procurement, or evaluation decision. Our commitments reflect the standards set by the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (opens in a new tab) and the UK Bribery Act 2010 (opens in a new tab).
We invoice only for work agreed and delivered, and we keep accurate records of time, costs, and expenses. Budgets we help prepare reflect real costs and the funder’s rules. If we suspect fraud, misuse of funds, or false information in any submission, we raise it with the client and do not proceed until it is resolved.
How do we promote diversity and inclusion?
We treat every client, partner, participant, and colleague fairly and with respect, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or any other personal characteristic.
Our program design and MEL work is informed by gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) analysis. We ask who benefits, who is left out, and why, and we disaggregate data where it is safe and useful to do so. We write in plain language, offer accessible formats on request, and work to make our website usable by everyone, as set out in our Accessibility Statement.
Frequently asked questions
Will you write a grant proposal for a percentage of the award?
No. We work for a fixed fee agreed in writing, in line with the GPA Code of Ethics.
Can you guarantee that our proposal will be funded?
No. We tell you honestly how strong an opportunity looks, but funding decisions rest with the funder.
Do I need to be a client to raise a concern?
No. Anyone can email hello@editright.io, and we handle every concern confidentially.
How do you protect people who take part in your research?
We seek informed consent, assess risks before data collection, remove identifying details from reports, and store data securely.
Do you use AI on client work?
Only under human review, within the client’s instructions and our Responsible AI Use Statement.
Last updated: October 2026