Representing researchers

In addition to encouraging research staff to engage with their institutions on issues affecting them on a local level, the UK Research Staff Association is also involved with research staff issues on the national and international level.

The UKRSA provides a collective voice for research staff across the UK by having members of its advisory board represent the interests of research staff in various policy forums and steering groups, including:

Concordat Strategy Group

The Concordat is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK. It sets out the expectations and responsibilities of each stakeholder in researcher careers - researchers themselves, their managers, employers and funders.

CROS/PIRLS Steering Committee

The Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) and Principal Investigator and Research Leaders Survey (PIRLS) are aimed at gathering anonymous data about working conditions, career aspirations and career development opportunities for research staff.

Vitae Policy Forums

Vitae Policy Forums are invitation-only events for senior staff who could speak on behalf of the institution on matters related to researcher development.

UK HR Excellence in Research Award Panel

A UK-wide process enables UK HEIs to gain the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award, which acknowledges their alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment.

Every Researcher Counts (ERC) Advisory Group

The long-term aim of the ERC project is to change culture and practice, and build capacity within HEIs, by embedding equality and diversity within the normal business of employing and developing researchers.

British Council Researcher Links International Initiative Steering Group

The British Council is launching the British Council Researcher Links initiative, in partnership with various research and higher education organisations from around the world.