Call for new peer reviewers for the HR Excellence in Research Award (January 2025)

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Deadline to apply is 7 February 2025

Vitae are opening applications for new peer reviewers to undertake the external reviews associated with the HR Excellence in Research Award, UK process. Applications are encouraged from both UK and non-UK applicants to provide broad representation for future peer review teams. 

The criteria for appointing peer reviewers are set out below. Applications will be reviewed by the Vitae team.

How do I apply?

Please complete the application form by Friday 7 February 2025. Please with any queries you might have, including any reasonable adjustments needed.

Hear from current HREiR Award peer reviewers

Current peer reviewer testimonials and how they benefit from being a HREiR Award peer reviewer.

Dr Amy Birch, University of Liverpool 

Dr Megan Webb, University College London (UCL)

What experience and expertise do I need to apply?

In the selection of new peer reviewers, we will seek those with demonstrable experience and expertise in the following areas:

  • good knowledge of the European Charter and Code, HR Strategy for Researchers, the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the development of researchers within the UK context
  • experience in designing, managing and/or implementing strategies around the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the HR Excellence in Research Award
  • willingness to share their expertise as part of an enhancement-led peer review process
  • experience of participating as a peer reviewer, panel member or equivalent in similar review processes
  • able to work effectively online with the other members of the review team and Vitae
  • able to work to agreed procedures, deadlines and protocols, particularly with reference to confidentiality
  • able to write succinctly and coherently, and to summarise findings.

What are the key responsibilities of a peer reviewer?

  • attend training as required to undertake your role
  • review paperwork provided by institutions undergoing their external review
  • make judgements as to the extent to which an institution meets set criteria
  • provide your availability for attending interview calls (1hour) to Vitae when requested
  • participate in interview calls (1hour) with the peer review team and institutions as required
  • provide written feedback on each institution being reviewed and highlight interesting or exemplary practice
  • act as Lead reviewer, where required, collating comments from the panel and providing a short summary narrative for the participating institution.

How long does a review take? 

These are rough estimates based on conversations with current reviewers. It will depend on the institution and the reviewer. 

  • 1 day to review documentation and complete paperwork
  • 1 hour for the interview call, also a meeting with the peer review team prior and after the interview call - these usually are 30 minutes - 1 hour long. 
  • ½ day for follow up report and recommendations (for Lead reviewers only).

How many reviews am I expected to undertake? 

Reviewers will be asked to undertake on average 5 reviews per year, dependent on availability and scheduling. Cohorts of institutions for review are distributed throughout the year and we aim to evenly share the workload amongst reviewers.

Will there be any training provided?

On appointment, training and guidance will be given to new peer reviewers before they begin to undertake reviews. Training is expected to take place online late February - early March. New peer reviewers are given an opportunity to shadow a review process prior to formally reviewing a review themselves. 

What is the overall peer review process?

To support the UK external review process for the HR Excellence in Research Award, Vitae manages a pool of peer reviewers comprised of sector experts from a range of job roles and institution types. Reviewers have the backing of their institution/organisation to undertake the peer review work within their job role.

For each cohort of institutions, the pool is called upon to carry out reviews. Teams of three peer reviewers are selected by Vitae based on availability, aiming for a balanced mix of roles and experience. With one reviewer acting as Lead, the team evaluates an institution’s submission based on specific criteria, mapped to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

Based on the availability provided Vitae will schedule a call between the institution and the review team to clarify aspects of the submission and to provide expertise and input. Subsequently, the peer review team submit their report and recommendation to the UK HR Excellence in Research Award Panel who ultimately decide whether an institution retains the Award.

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