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.
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 May 2016, we continue to review our practice against “The Concordat” and have submitted a review of progress against our 2016-2018 Action Plan and a revised plan for the next two years. Below are summary and detailed reviews of actions against the 2016 - 2018 plan, and a revised plan to 2020. The Action Plan will be monitored by the Researcher Development and Support Group working in collaboration with College researcher and early career support groups, the HR Leadership Team and reporting to the University Research Committee.
UOB RS Concodart Action Plan 2015-2017 Review
UOB RS Concordat Action Plan 2018-2020
UOB RS Concordat Summary Review 2015-2017 - Jan 2018
Previous documents can be accessed below:
UoB Concordat 4yr Review April 2016 PDF
Concordat Actions Detailed Review Sept 2015 PDF
Concordat Action Plan 2015-17 Revised April 2016 PDF
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.