Concordat briefings to engage stakeholder groups

Vitae has developed a series of briefings for higher education professionals involved in implementing the principles of the 2008 ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers'. The series contains targeted briefings for senior managers, human resources specialists, staff developers, careers specialists, managers of researchers and research staff. These should be read in conjunction with the Concordat itself. 

The Concordat, launched in June 2008, is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK. Sitting alongside a range of local, UK and European initiatives, including the European Charter for Researchers and Code for Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, this agreement represents a significant development in national policy to support good management of researchers and their careers. Through the implementation of its principles it aims to enhance the researcher workforce and thereby sustain research excellence bringing benefits to the health, economy and well-being of the UK.

"..high quality, well motivated research staff are critical to maintaining and developing [the UK's] world-class research base. Equally, high quality training, support and management processes have the potential to maximise the output and impact of research and contribute to the attractiveness of UK research careers"

Ian Pearson, formerly Minister of State for Science and Innovation
Introduction to the Concordat, June 2008

Vitae welcomes the Concordat as continuing to raise the profile and status of professional development for research staff. Many of its recommendations build on existing practice, but it will provide a renewed impetus for institutions and funders of research to assess and strengthen their support for researchers. Everyone with a responsibility to support researchers has a role to play in implementing the principles of the Concordat although an institution-wide approach is key to achieving its aims. Success is dependant upon institutions providing both strategic leadership and practical support to ensure that all groups of staff involved in supporting research staff are working towards the Concordat's vision.

Whilst recognising that much has already been achieved, the Concordat exhorts us to continuously enhance our support for researchers' career development, particularly by sharing approaches and learning from each other. Working with the Concordat Strategy Group, Vitae will continue to promote professional and career development for research staff and provide opportunities to share practice and information. We hope that you find these briefings useful and that you will share your ideas and successes with colleagues from across the UK.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr Janet Metcalfe

Chair and Head, Vitae