The Vitae policy forum is an annual event focusing on policy developments and the implications relating to skills and career development for researchers. It is an invitation-only event for PVCs or equivalent staff.
Aims
- Provide a platform for open discussion between the HE sector and funding organisations on the extent to which the skills agenda is embedded in the strategies, policies and operations of universities and the impact of a range of long term funding models
- Identify the range of evidence to best inform the funding strategies for researcher development for the next spending review period from April 2011
- Share knowledge, approaches and practice in evidencing, evaluating and improving the impact of researcher development activities.
Background
The ring-fenced funding from RCUK is widely recognised as critical to what has been achieved so far in relation to the Roberts agenda and the future of this funding beyond 2010/11 is the subject of much discussion. The forum was an opportunity to bring together the HE sector and key funding organisations for open and constructive discussion on how well the skills agenda is embedded in institutional structures and practice, and the implications of possible changes in funding mechanisms in the short and long term. The views of participants and the sector will inform the RCUK strategy for its research careers activities in the next spending review period from April 2011.
The forum also explored the immediate opportunities and priorities in:
- demonstrating the impact of researcher development
- progressing the implementation of the principles of the Concordat
- responding to the outcomes from Professor Adrian Smith's review of postgraduate provision.
Workshop sessions included the initial outcomes of the Researcher development framework consultation, the RCUK doctoral cohort study and the launch of the independent evaluation of the Roberts agenda.
Who attended?
The policy forum was for senior staff, ie pro-vice-chancellor or equivalent, who could speak on behalf of the institution in relation to:
- institutional strategies for postgraduate researchers and research staff
- implementation of the Concordat and the Roberts' recommendations relating to skills and career development of researchers
- implications of possible future funding mechanisms on your institutional support for researchers.