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Concordat working group, chaired by PVC(R) tasked with assessing University’s alignment with Concordat. Recommendations for implementation.

Loughborough and Cambridge Universities are championing a new guide which has been developed to support the early career development of research staff. Entitled Signposting Career Paths for Post Doctoral Researchers, the guide has been developed by the Athena Forum – an umbrella organisation that oversees developments designed to advance the career progression and representation of women in science, technology, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) disciplines in UK higher education. The initiative, which was recently launched at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London, is being championed by Loughborough’s Vice Chancellor Professor Shirley Pearce, and Professor Alison Richard from the University of Cambridge. Although the guide was developed for those working within STEMM subjects, it is relevant to all disciplines. It aims to provide accessible, useful and practical advice for individuals starting their careers. To help publicise the guide, a bookmark has been produced to highlight the sources of support available to research staff at their university. It also encourages postdoctoral students to consider ten crucial questions about their career aspirations and the practical issues that might affect their progress. All members of research staff at Loughborough will receive copies of the bookmark, along with a personal letter from Professor Pearce. Professor Steve Rothberg, Dean of Engineering at Loughborough University, said: "Research staff in the STEMM disciplines will play huge roles in delivering economic recovery and future prosperity to the UK. Among them are the academic and business leaders of tomorrow. “Over the last three years we have significantly increased our efforts in support of their career development with a range of targeted initiatives including dedicated careers and professional development support and we are delighted to be championing this vital initiative from the Athena Forum with its special focus on women scientists and engineers." Further information about the Guide and links to sources of support at Loughborough are available at www.lboro.ac.uk/athenaforum http://www.lboro.ac.uk/staff/news/articles/2010/signposts.html

Charity Challenge is an opportunity for University of Leicester PhD students to develop career management transferrable skills whilst working in a volunteering context. Each PhD student raises money over a six month period to enable them to engage in an international volunteering activity, in the third world. The objective is for students to take part in this activity in a team environment and in this way enhance a range of transferrable skills of relevance to their professional future. The volunteering activity is a two week project designed to help a third world community, e.g. through refurbishing a school, nursery or other community location. Through engagement with this activity, as part of a team, participants skills are challenged and enhanced. Students are responsible for making sure that they have adequate medical, and travel insurance. They are also responsible for making sure that you have received all necessary medical vaccinations.

This is a series of networking events for postgraduate researchers from the department of Law/College of Social Sciences. The event takes the form of a a fortnightly lunch time gathering. The aim is to inform attendees about other students' work. Attendees will be asked to bring problems they are facing to allow other attendees to offer suggestions through brainstorming. One or two, 5-minute presentations about research will be offered,to help attendees to develop their presentation and communication skills.

This is a series of meetings where attendees create their own agenda. Attendees leave and join at their leisure.