Concordat to support the career development of researchers: Implementation at the University of Bristol
The Concordat aims to ensure that research staff are supported and nurtured during their career development in the UK. It sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders in seven key areas:
A) Recruitment and Selection
B) Recognition and Value
C) Support and Career Development
D) Researchers’ Responsibilities
E) Diversity and Equality
F) Implementation and Review
As a member of Universities UK, one of the key signatories to the document, the University of Bristol (UoB) is committed to working towards the associated principles. As part of this, a full gap analysis of UoB practice against the principles has been carried out in consultation with various stakeholders, including research staff through the Research Staff Representatives Committee, senior academics, the Equality and Diversity committee, Pro-Vice Chancellors for Staffing and Research and Personnel services. Following this, an action plan has been created to direct our work in the area of research staff support over the next few years. Details of the gap analysis and action plan are available. (Pdf 645kB)
In recognition of the action plan, the University was awarded the HR Excellence in Research badge by the EU Commission in October 2010. This requires us to carry out an internal assessment process after 2 years and we will be subject to an external assessment after 4 years, both to measure our progress against the action plan. Our two-year self-assessment is now available. (Doc 84kB)
Work on the actions will be managed by Dr Alison Leggett, Staff Development Manager (Academic Staff) and monitored by a Concordat Implementation Group (including HR director, Deputy-HR director, PVC Research and Staff Development Manager for Academic Staff) in consultation with the University's Research Staff Working Party, set up in 2004 with the aim of promoting and supporting the careers and working environment of research staff at the university of Bristol. Members of the working party include research staff, senior academics and relevant support staff.