Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

Research Careers in Higher Education

The University of Lincoln became a signatory of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (otherwise known as the Researcher Development Concordat) in February 2020. A copy of the letter publicly committing to the principles and signatory responsibilities of the Concordat can be found on the Researcher Development Concordat website.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support for research careers in UK higher education. The Concordat not only helps to improve environment and culture within which research is conducted, but also recognises the role of research and innovation in delivering the UK’s industrial and economic strategies. The Concordat sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the institution that employs them, as well as their responsibilities as researchers. Stakeholders include: researchers, managers of researchers, institutions, and funders.

Core Principles

The Concordat is structured around three core principles, which are underpinned by obligations for the four groups of stakeholders:

• Environment and Culture – a supportive and inclusive research culture positively impacts on individual and institutional performance, and helps attract a diverse workforce.
• Employment – good employment conditions positively impact on research excellence, researcher wellbeing, and promotes research careers.
• Professional and Career Development – enabling researchers to develop to their full potential.

Actions Plans and Reports

The University of Lincoln’s HR Excellence in Research Award action plan and two-year report can be read below.

Contact Information

Lauren Blackwell, Researcher Development Officer

Email: lblackwell@lincoln.ac.uk

Helen Rice, People Change and Policy Manager

Email: hrice@lincoln.ac.uk