Researcher Development Framework - briefing for PIs

Vitae have recently launched the national Researcher Development Framework (RDF) which is a comprehensive new approach to enhancing the careers of researchers. It aims to:

• provide a framework to support the professional and career development of researchers
• build research excellence by focusing on the skills and attributes of successful researchers
• provide a way for supervisors, principal investigators (PIs) and managers of researchers to fulfil the intentions of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, the QAA Code of practice for research degree programmes and the Roberts' recommendations for postgraduate researchers and research staff.

The RDF describes the knowledge, behaviours and attitudes of researchers at all stages of development from first year postgraduate researchers through to high profile research leaders. It has been developed from first principles through interviews with successful researchers in a range of disciplines and is fully endorsed by Research Councils UK.

‘ Employers ... should ensure that research managers provide effective research environments for the training and development of researchers and encourage them to maintain or start their continuous professional development. (Concordat, section C. 3) ’

What does the RDF look like?

The RDF is structured in four domains (A-D), which encompass what researchers need to know to do research, how to be effective in their approach to research, when working with others and in contributing to the wider environment. The domains are further divided into sub-domains (eg A1, A2 and A3), each with descriptors and phases (1-5; representing a progressively higher level of skills in each area), which seek to capture the knowledge, behaviours, and attitudes of a typically ‘good' researcher at different stages of development.

How will it be used?

PIs may find the RDF useful in:

• planning the professional or career development for teams or groups of researchers
• working with individual researchers to explore strengths and areas for further development and then signposting formal and informal opportunities provided by the institution and beyond.

Vitae have also launched a Professional Development Planner to help researchers map themselves against the RDF. This tool has been piloted with researchers who found it valuable in planning their personal and professional development.