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RCUK commissioned analysis of 2004 and 2009 university reports on the use of ring-fenced payments for career development and transferable skills training of researchers (Roberts payments).

 The report informed an independent review panel about progress by universities in implementing skills-related recommendations of the 2002 Report of Sir Gareth Roberts’ Review by providing an overview of "distance travelled" between the 2004 outline strategies for use of the funds and 2009 annual reports.

In previous years when ring-fenced Roberts’ funding was allocated to HEIs, RCUK produced a summary of how that funding had been used.

This analysis summarises responses to RCUK’s 2011 survey of research organisations (ROs) regarding the impact of Roberts funding to date, responses to changes in funding and strategies to 2013.

The 2011 survey was voluntary and consisted of open-ended questions. 

Researchers are key members of academic staff. They are central to the College’s status as the leading centre for veterinary research in England, as well as its global aspirations. Beyond this, the College recognises that researchers make many other important contributions, for example in undertaking valuable research support, teaching and supervision duties, and as a vibrant group within the wider RVC community.

Following the launch of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, the College developed a Concordat Code of Practice and Guide which demonstrates the Colleges commitment to the provision of timely and effective support for Research Staff and their chosen career paths.

The courses and workshops outlined in our programme are designed to meet the needs of all groups of staff within the College and offer a wide variety of development opportunities in five key areas:

• Health & Safety

• Information Technology

• Leadership & Management

• Skills & Knowledge

• Wellbeing

In our 2009/10 training programme, we introduced a section specific to the development of researchers, in response to principle 4 of the Concordat. This section has continued to develop following feedback received from research staff, line managers and principal investigators.

Research staff may also attend any of the other Staff Training & Development courses offered in the programme.

A 2-day course to address topics such as: thesis writing and viva preparation, career options and planning, networking, and leadership within corporate and academic work contexts.