Research is value-laden and has to be conducted within the precincts of what are generally referred to as ‘research ethics’. Research ethics are guidelines or sets of principles for good professional practice, which serve to advise and steer researchers as they conduct their work (Bloor and Wood, 2006).

In keeping with our belief in ethical research practice, DLC has adopted key principles that are applied throughout the research process. These include informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity of respondents, confidentially of information, and ensuring no harm to the respondents.

For all research that may expose human subjects to some form of harm, the firm obtains clearance from Independent Review Boards such as the AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) in Uganda. To obtain ethical clearance, the firm always presents a research proposal (including documentation on our ethical guidelines) to a review board.