How will the Research Councils use the RDS in terms of their training requirements for research staff?

Please note: the Researcher Development Statement is an evolution of the JSS, highlighting the range of knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities which the Councils expect researchers to develop over the course of their training. A much more detailed Framework is being developed, which is intended as a tool for researchers and HEIs to assist in planning, promoting and supporting the personal, professional and career development of researchers in higher education.

The RDS sets out the skills, knowledge and behaviours required in all stages of a research career.  It supports the implementation of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, especially Principle 5 ‘Individual researchers share responsibility for, and need to, proactively engage in their own personal and career development, and life long learning'.  The RDS, along with the more detailed RDF, will also help HEIs in reviewing their career development strategies and associated provision for research staff in alignment with Principles 3 and 4 (career development).

The Research Councils made clear in their Statement of Expectations regarding researcher development that they expect research organisations to fully embed researcher development into the normal processes in the research and training environment. Research organisations will wish to take into account the Researcher development statement when reviewing their range of formal and informal support and provision for researchers.

The Research Councils are currently individually and collectively exploring how the RDS will be practically referenced within their training and development guidance for researchers funded through grants and fellowships.