The University has received further recognition for its work to create a positive and inclusive research culture that supports the ongoing development of staff at all levels. At the heart of this work is Liverpool’s sustained commitment to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
The Concordat is an agreement between funders and employers of researchers in the UK. It forms the framework for the support, development and management of researchers’ careers and sets out the expectations placed on the University and on researchers as we collectively shape a supportive and successful research environment.
Universities UK have recognised the University’s approach in a recent news article, in which our institutional Concordat processes have been lauded as “transformative” and as an exemplar across the sector, for “Putting Early Career Researchers at the Heart of Concordat Governance”
Liverpool’s model of internal Concordat governance, led by the Concordat Steering Group (CSG) and coordinated by the Academy, embeds a truly collaborative approach to supporting colleagues across the institution.
The primary beneficiaries of this work are those early in their research career, including postdoctoral researchers, research associates, research assistants and early career research and tenure track fellows. However, the benefits of the Concordat activities extend to other groups who actively engage in research within the University and who are expected to develop their research identity as part of their career progression. These include staff on teaching and research or teaching and scholarship contracts, clinicians, professional support staff and technicians, all of whom are represented on the CSG.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Impact, Professor Anthony Hollander, said: “I’m delighted to see Liverpool’s researcher development work being recognised at a national level. The significant amount of work coordinated across the Concordat Steering Group is a great affirmation of the distinctive work that is done in Liverpool, further confirming the University as the go-to place for established and aspiring research leaders to continue their success.”
Dr Claire Wilson, Co-Chair of the University’s Research Staff Association commented, “A number of members of the Research Staff Association sit on the Concordat Steering Group and are directly involved in contributing views and shaping priorities for the University’s researcher development agenda. This recognition is both heartening and inspiring to see and, moving forward, I hope the Concordat Steering Group will continue to highlight the researcher voice and actively empower researchers to engage meaningfully in the enhancement of institutional research culture.”
Dr James Howard, Director of the Academy, noted “We have a collective responsibility to foster a positive research culture that values researchers at all levels and provides early career researchers with the time and opportunities they need to develop their careers. It’s great to see this external recognition of our approach here at Liverpool and the Academy remains committed to providing researchers with development that enhances practice, encourages innovation and supports career success.”
The University of Liverpool first gained recognition for its commitment to the Researcher Development Concordat in 2011 and is required to undertake annual progress reviews that are biennially assessed by an external review panel. More information about the University’s commitment to the Concordat is available at: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/hr-excellence-in-research-badge/
Career Development for Researchers module
The Academy has produced a development module that explores the principles of the Researcher Development Concordat and the resulting responsibilities for staff. The module is the first of its kind in the Higher Education sector nationally and aims to further enhance the career and professional development of researchers, managers of researchers and professional colleagues supporting our researcher community. The module is available to new and existing staff and can be accessed here: https://rise.articulate.com/share/2qqPlw-EIhAm5MOPGKFrefUHDbewt3VE.
Further information
The Academy offers a comprehensive programme of development opportunities for research and research-related staff that can be accessed throughout the year. Visit the Researcher Hub for more information and opportunities.
Follow @LivResearcher and @LivUniAcademy for updates and information about further staff development opportunities.