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Relevant policy and legislation
This list includes information annexed to the 2008 Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers as well as subsequent legislation, reports and initiatives of direct relevance. Links are listed by Concordat principle for easy reference but some have relevance in more than one area.
Context
The 2011 Government white paper ‘Students at the heart of the system' recognises that research innovation and a highly-skilled research workforce are key elements of strategy to support the future economic prosperity and wellbeing of the UK
Innovation Union is one of the seven flagship initiatives of Europe 2020, the EU's growth strategy for the coming decade. It sets a target of investing 3% of EU GDP on R&D by 2020 and aims to make research careers attractive and revolutionise the way that public and private sectors work together
UK national action plan on researcher mobility and careers within the European Research Area. Sets out current UK practice and defines future initiatives. From the Department for Business Innovation and Skills
HEFCE Financial Memorandum and Audit Code of Practice (2004)
The Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care (2005) sets out the broad principle of good research governance
Safeguarding good scientific practice (1998) (a joint statement by the Director General of the Research Councils and UK Research Council CEOs)
Science and innovation investment framework 2004-14 published by HM Treasury, July 2004
The European Commission Response to A UK HE Sector Gap Analysis
Recruitment and selection
Concordat principle 1 - Recognition of the importance of recruiting, selecting and retaining researchers with the highest potential to achieve excellence in research
European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers - a set of principles that should be followed by funders and/or employers when appointing or recruiting researchers. Adopted in 2005 by the European Commission and supported by Universities UK and major UK funders of research
Universities UK: Appointing Senior Managers in Higher Education: A Guide to Good Practice (2004)
Recognition and value
Concordat principle 2 - Researchers are recognised and valued by their employing organisation as an essential part of their organisation's human resources and a key component of their overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research
Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002
Joint Negotiating Committee for HE Staff (JNCHES) guidance and reports
European Charter for Researchers - includes principles and requirements for employers of researchers. Adopted in 2005 by the European Commission and supported by Universities UK and major UK funders of research
The Euraxess Rights website hosts the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment. It is part of Euraxess - 'Researchers in Motion' - and links to other key initiatives facilitating the careers and lives of researchers
UCU/NUS/NPC Employment Charter For Postgraduate Student Academic and Academic Related Staff (1998)
Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974
Support and career development
Concordat principles 3 and 4 - Researchers are equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse, mobile, global research environment. The importance of researchers' personal and career development, and lifelong learning, is clearly recognised and promoted at all stages of their career
Research Excellence Framework 2014 - review panels will assess an institution's research environment in terms of its ‘vitality and sustainability', including its staffing strategy and staff development
RCUK Terms and Conditions of Grants - expects research organisations to adopt the principles of the Concordat and to embed researcher development into normal processes
The Researcher Development Framework is a major new approach to researcher development. It supercedes the Joint Statement of the Research Councils' Skills Training Requirements for Research Students and articulates the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of all successful researchers
National Library of Academic Role Profiles: for research staff
SET for Success Sir Gareth Roberts' 2002 report
Research Careers Initiative (RCI) reports 1998-2002
Researchers' responsibilities
Concordat principle 5 - Individual researchers share the responsibility for and need to pro-actively engage in their own personal and career development, and lifelong learning
European Charter for Researchers - includes principles for and responsibilities of researchers. Adopted in 2005 by the European Commission and supported by Universities UK and major UK funders of research
Ethics Matters: Managing Ethical Issues in HE from the Council for Industry and Higher Education
Lambert IP Model Agreements published by the Department of Trade and Industry, 2005
Universal ethical code for scientists published by the UK Council of Science and Technology
Equality and Diversity
Concordat principle 6 - Diversity and equality must be promoted in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of researchers
Equality Act 2010 and briefing from the Equality Challenge Unit with implications for higher education institutions
Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
