The value of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to institutions

Institutional benefits of the Researcher Development Framework

Research Development Framework RDF domainsThe Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is the widely endorsed framework underpinning professional development for researchers at all levels. Using the RDF can help institutions to fulfil the requirements set out by funders and governments for the support of researchers and researcher careers. For example the UK QAA Quality Code - Chapter B11: Research Degrees and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

The UK Concordat includes an expectation that research managers will

‘actively encourage researchers to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activity, so far as is possible within the project’

(Principle 3, paragraph 9).

Institutions can subscribe to the RDF Planner - a unique and innovative resource developed by Vitae to enable researchers to manage their professional development effectively, using the RDF.

Researcher Development Statement (RDS)

The Vitae Researcher Development Statement (RDS) is derived from the RDF. It can be used to facilitate the achievement of strategy for researcher development, helping to fulfil institutional, national and funders’ requirements for standards of support for researchers.

Examples of key strategic aims in supporting development of researchers

  • Achieving the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award
  • Articulating your researcher development provision internationally
  • Meeting research grant criteria for funders’ expectations of training and development for their funded researchers
  • Mapping development provision for all researchers to a nationally endorsed structure.

Meeting national and international expectations