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Concordat to support the career development of researchers

What is it?

The , commonly known as the Researcher Development Concordat, is an agreement between stakeholders to improve the employment and support for researchers and researcher careers in higher education in the UK.

The Concordat sets out three clear principles of environment and culture, employment, and professional and career development. The principles are underpinned by obligations for the four key stakeholder groups, funders, institutions, researchers and managers of researchers, to realise the aims of the Concordat.

Concordat logo

What is the СÀ¶ÊÓÆµ approach?

We have identified three priority areas to address 2023-2026 that are centred on ‘Research Staff and Research Culture’. Whilst the concordat has a specific target audience of staff typically on fixed term contracts solely focused on delivering research, our aims will support a broader group of staff. These three priorities flow into an which provides a detailed schedule of activities designed to meet the objectives of the Concordat. These objectives also align with the award which we have held for 10 years.

The group responsible for oversight and delivery of the action plan is the Research Culture Development Group, which includes the convenors of the Research Staff Forum, Researchers Network (for early-mid career staff), Associate Professors Forum, and Professors Forum.  Also included in this group are representatives from Research and Innovation Services, Human Resources, Doctoral College and Careers and Employability.

Where can I find out more?

On our website you can view the University’s current action plan and reporting documentation covering the past 8-10 years. Every year we provide a report to our Governing Body on how we are progressing against the Concordat.

 


 

How can I get involved?

If you’d like to join one of our working groups or support the Concordat in any way please contact researchculture@port.ac.uk.