http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/

http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/

Dr Iain CameronHead of Research CareersTel: 01793 444038

Fax: 01793 444562

iain.cameron@rcuk.ac.uk

http://www.rcuk.ac.uk

http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/

The Concordat consists of:

• A set of principles for the future support and management of research careers and, under each principle, an explanation of how it may best be embedded into institutional practice;

• A clear statement of the signatories’ collective expectations for the support and management of researchers.

• A section emphasising the responsibility of researchers to take control of their career and to further it through informed decisions.

http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/

Contents

A. Recruitment and Selection

B. Recognition and Value

C. Support and Career Development

D. Researchers Responsibilities

E. Diversity and Equality

F. Implementation and Review

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Implementation progress

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Implementation• Raise awareness/maintain visibility: co-ordinator• Promote and support HEI implementation

o Build on existing institutional events – staff conferences etc.

o Ensure coverage of key research –led institutions• Redeveloped CROS to support the Concordat• Ensure links to the EU Charter and Code implementation• Continue practice sharing: DoP, forums, workshops• Incorporate CST: Pathways to the future agenda

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Governance

• Strategy Group • Terms of Reference (amongst other things):

o oversee benchmarking studyo ensure implementation aligns UK with EU C&Co report to UK Research Base Funders’ Forum

• Executive group

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BenchmarkingSix Projects• Understanding the research staff cohort• Exploring the experiences of research staff

through CROS (Mar-May 2009)• HEI approaches to embedding career

development for researchers in HEI strategies• Reviewing the use of fixed term contracts• Views and perceptions of principal investigators• Funders response to the Concordat

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RCUK response

• Collective and individual• External funding and institutes• Linking career development to the grants

process?• Expectations/messages for PIs• Central role of Vitae

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Messages from CROS 2009

• The overall picture from CROS is positiveo Recruitment processes are generally transparent; o most researchers feel valued; o institutions appear to recognise the importance of supporting

career development• Nevertheless there are variations and there are

concerns. o Institutions should identify areas of good practice and share

these with the rest of the sector through the CROS and Vitae networks.

• Exchange of ideas will help researchers themselves and enhance their contribution to the UK’s research agenda.

http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/

Thank you for your attention!