Concordat Strategy Group (CSG) publish report of consultation which will lead to revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers in 2019
Up-to-date information relating to the Concordat can now be accessed via this new self-contained website. This page is under review and will be revised shortly.
The publication of this report represents another significant milestone towards the publication of a revised Concordat later this year. It contains much of the detail and analysis on which the revised Concordat will be based. It has been informed by almost 600 survey responses as well as the UK sector events and discussions held last year. The level of engagement and strength of opinion was demonstrated through over 5,000 free text survey comments.
Analysis of the survey results, by Vitae on behalf of the CSG, has provided a critical insight into the views of both researchers and those with a stake in managing and supporting researchers, including HEIs, funders and other organisations.
The responses were overwhelmingly in favour of revising the Concordat, making it shorter, clearer and more accessible and in particular outlining the specific responsibilities of funders, employers, principal investigators/managers of researchers and researchers themselves.
The consultation revealed that over 95% of both organisation and individual respondent think support for researchers to develop their career and research identity should be increased. Precarity of employment and equality of opportunity were other key themes, though the solutions are not straight-forward, and opinions were mixed in all areas of the consultation.
“This richness of information has given rise to long and considered debates on how to create a new text for the Concordat with both the required level of flexibility and enough ‘teeth’ to have real impact.” Professor Julia Buckingham, CBE, Chair of Concordat Strategy Group, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Brunel University London.
“The report will play a crucial part in the ensuring the revised Concordat paves the way towards improving the future environment and career development for researchers. It also provides key analysis for institutions in considering how to enhance their development for their role in the economy within and beyond academia.” Professor David Bogle, Chair of the Independent Review panel, and Pro-Vice-Provost of Doctoral School, University College London
Supporting documentation
Independent Review of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers
Concordat Strategy Group Response to the Independent Review
Latest Concordat update from Prof Julia Buckingham, CBE
About the Concordat Writing Group
Notes to Editors
About the Concordat to Support the Career development of Researchers
The Concordat was launched in 2008 to provide a framework to support the career development of researchers in UK universities and research institutes. The Concordat Strategy Group announced the independent ten-year to evaluate the progress made in implementing the principles and what policy interventions would be required to ensure an effective research system. Details of Concordat Strategy Group membership can be found here.
About Vitae www.vitae.ac.uk
Vitae is the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers, experienced in working with institutions as they strive for research excellence, innovation and impact.
Vitae provides the Secretariat to the CSG.
We are a non-profit programme, part of CRAC: the Career Development Organisation with nearly 50 years' experience in enhancing the skills and careers of researchers. We strengthen our members' institutional provision for the professional development of their researchers through research and innovation, training and resources, events, consultancy and membership.
CRAC provides research intelligence and innovation for all those who support career development for people of all ages and in all sectors. We work in partnership with government agencies, education organisations and providers and employers and professional bodies.
CRAC is a registered charity No 313164 established in 1964.
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