The Vitae policy forum 2010 took place (despite the snow!) in Edinburgh on 6 and 7 January. The programme provided an opportunity for open discussion between the HE sector and funding organisations on the extent to which the skills agenda is embedded in the strategies, policy and operations of universities and the impact of a range of long term funding models. The second day of the forum focused on the range of evidence to best inform the funding strategies for researcher development for the next spending review period and on sharing knowledge and approaching in evidencing, evaluating and improving the impact of researcher development activities.
Iain Cameron, on behalf of the Research Councils, confirmed that the Councils remain committed to this agenda and are keen to support a transition to a ‘normal business' rather than ‘ring-fenced' funding scenario. Iain also confirmed RCUK's intention to undertake an independent review of the progress of the Roberts transferable skills and career development agenda to date. The review panel will report its findings in the summer.
The workshops on the first day explored the advantages, disadvantages, risks and implications of three different possible future scenarios. Constructive, positive and open discussions highlighted the following themes from the workshops:
- the importance of aligning researcher development with individual HEI strategies and mission statements
- that many felt ring-fenced funding was no longer considered essential for maintaining the ‘Roberts'' agenda and there were potential advantages for institutions in having more flexibility to define and tailor provision to meet local strategies/needs
- there are strong opportunities to use drivers such as the QAA code, the Concordat and REF to ensure that researcher development make s a significant contribution to the research experience in the UK
- the importance of maintaining the broader employability focus alongside training and development that is focussed on undertaking research
- the importance of maintaining progress in support for the research staff agenda and the Concordat
- the importance of researcher development in an international context; the UK is well recognised for its leading provision in this area and we can not afford not to maintain our position
- RCUK agreed to outline a process as soon as possible to enable HEIs to make appropriate transition strategies and arrangements. Levels of funding would be confirmed after the election/spending review
The discussions at the policy forum will play an important role in shaping the Research Councils' next steps.
View presentations from the Vitae policy forum 2010
Videos of the presentations and the full report of the discussions and outcomes will be available in February 2010.