Skills audit

This audit is based on the Joint Skills Statement. It takes each of seven areas of skills and competences developed by a postgraduate researcher as part of the doctoral process:

• Research skills and techniques
• Research environment
• Research management
• Personal effectiveness
• Communication skills
• Networking and teamwork
• Career management

For each of the statements consider:

1. What is your competence level, e.g.

• I have no experience of using this skill
• I have some experience but feel I need to improve further
• I have experience of using this skill but still need to improve in certain aspects
• I am an expert and feel that this is not a priority for my development.

2. Best current example

3. Ways to improve.

You might find it useful to print out this page and fill it in or talk it through with your supervisor or colleagues.

You can use this document as a starting point for putting together a training plan.

Research skills and techniques

• I can recognise and validate problems
  
• I can demonstrate original, independent and critical thinking, and the ability to develop theoretical concepts
  
• I have a knowledge of recent advances within my field and in related areas
  
• I understand relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within my research field
  
• I am able to critically analyse and evaluate my findings and those of others
  
• I am able to summarise, document, report and reflect on my progress
  

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Research environment

•  I have a broad understanding of the context, at the national and international level, in which research takes place
  
• I am aware of issues relating to the rights of other researchers, of research subjects, and of others who may be affected by the research
  
• I appreciate and apply the standards of good research practice in my institution and/or discipline
  
• I understand relevant health and safety issues and demonstrate responsible working practices
  
• I understand the processes for funding and evaluation of research
  
• I can justify the principles and experimental techniques used in my own research
  
• I understand the process of academic or commercial exploitation of research results
  

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Research management

•  I manage projects effectively through the setting of research goals, intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities
  
• I can design and execute systems for the acquisition and collation of information through the effective use of appropriate resources and equipment
  
• I can identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives, and other sources of relevant information
  
• I use information technology appropriately for database management, recording and presenting information
  

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Personal effectiveness

•  I have a willingness and ability to learn and acquire knowledge
  
• I am creative, innovative and original in my approach to research
  
• I am flexible and open-minded
  
• I am self-aware and able to identify my own training needs
  
• I am self-disciplined, motivated, and thorough
  
• I recognise my own boundaries and draw upon/use sources of support as appropriate
  
• I show initiative, work independently and am self-reliant
  

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Communication skills

•  I can write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose, e.g. progress reports, published documents, thesis
  
• I can construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of audiences, formally and informally through a variety of techniques
  
• I can constructively defend research outcomes at seminars and viva examination
  
• I contribute to promoting the public understanding of my research field
  
• I effectively support the learning of others when involved in teaching, mentoring or demonstrating activities
  

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Networking and teamwork

•  I am developing and maintaining co-operative networks and working relationships with supervisors, colleagues and peers, within my institution and the wider research community
  
• I understand my behaviours and impact on others when working in and contributing to the success of formal and informal teams
  
• I listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others
  

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Career management

•  I appreciate the need for and show commitment to continued professional development
  
• I take ownership for and manage my career progression, set realistic and achievable career goals, and identify and develop ways to improve employability
  
• I can demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature of research skills to other work environments and the range of career opportunities within and outside academia
  
• I can present my skills, personal attributes and experiences through effective CVs, applications and interviews
  

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