The University of Birmingham fully recognises the contribution that researchers make to its success as a leading University. Our Strategic Framework identifies a commitment to attracting, retaining and celebrating talent; growing leadership capacity – specifically research leadership; increasing engagement within and external to the University. These themes clearly align with the Principles of The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
The University attained The HR Excellence in Research Award on September 5th 2011 and was re-accredited in November 2013. This recognises our ongoing commitment to The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. We are now seeking to renew our accreditation for a further 4 years.
The Concordat sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.
As part of our commitment to HR Excellence, and following our reaccreditation in November 2013, we have completed a review of our practice against “The Concordat”. Below are a 4 year review, a detailed review of actions against the 2013 – 2015 plan, and a revised plan to 2017. The Action Plan will be monitored by the Researcher Development and Support Operational Working Group reporting to the Research & Knowledge Transfer Committee in collaboration with the HR Leadership Team.
UoB Concordat 4yr Review April 2016 PDF
Concordat Actions Detailed Review Sept 2015 PDF
Concordat Action Plan 2015-17 Revised April 2016 PDF
Previous documents can be accessed below:
Concordat Actions Review Summary Sept 2013 PDF
Concordat Actions Detailed Review Sept 2013 PDF
Concordat Revised Action Plan 2013 – 2015 PDF
UoB Concordat Actions June 2011 PDF
UoB Concordat Review Summary June 2011 PDF
The Action Plan will be monitored by HR Leadership Team in collaboration with the Research & Knowledge Transfer Committee.
The 7 Principles of the Concordat:
- recognition of the importance of recruiting, selecting and retaining researchers with the highest potential to achieve excellence in research
- researchers are recognised and valued by their employing organisation as an essential part of their organisation’s human resources and a key component of their overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research
- researchers are equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse, mobile, global research environment
- the importance of researchers’ personal and career development and lifelong learning is clearly recognised and promoted at all stages of their career
- individual researchers share the responsibility for and need to proactively engage in their own personal and career development and lifelong learning
- diversity and equality must be promoted in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of researchers
- the sector and all stakeholders will undertake regular and collective review of their progress in strengthening the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK
The full version of the Concordat.