Research Staff Development Advisory Group (ReSDAG)

ReSDAG

The Vitae Research Staff Development Advisory Group exists to provide expertise around research staff issues and to inform the strategy and practice of the Vitae programme.  Building on the work of the UKHERD Taskforce, it will ensure that issues relating to research staff are placed at the centre of Vitae's mission and activities, and that the former UKHERD network engages fully with the new Vitae programme.

Terms of reference, ReSDAG exists to:

• provide expertise and a strategic view on the development of policy to support researcher careers, including providing input to Vitae responses to policy consultations on matters related to the career development of research staff and the employment and management of researchers
• identify emerging themes relating to research staff and make recommendations to the programme on how to respond to them
• advise the programme on how to strengthen its engagement with networks relevant to research staff issues
• act as a critical friend to the programme by scrutinising how activities and strategic plan meet the needs of research staff, the managers of research staff and those supporting research staff

Current members

Vitae's Research Staff Development Advisory Group (ReSDAG) is comprised of members who between them represent HEIs from all of the different regions, plus funding bodies and national organisations such as AGCAS and Universities UK. Details of the current members can be found here.

Supporting staff supporting research staff

In January/February 2008 a survey was conducted to find out more about UKHERD members and their needs, and specifically to identify the kinds of support, advice, and resources that would help members in their roles in the future.  The findings of the 'UKHERD Members' Survey' has provided benchmarking data for the Vitae programme and has also been used to inform the planning of the Vitae's early activities.

JISC list

In addition to the resources offered through this website, and regional and national events, there is also a JISC list for anybody interested in matters relating to the way research staff are supported and managed in UK higher education institutions. To sign up to the list, email listserv@jiscmail.ac.uk

For more information about the Vitae Research Staff Development Advisory Group, research staff related issues and Vitae, email enquiries@vitae.ac.uk or call 01223 460277.