Strategy
The UK alignment with EC Charter and Code
The Concordat is the UK’s response to the European Commission’s Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (known as the Charter and Code) which was published in 2005. The Charter provides a career management framework for researchers and the Code promotes open and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures both with the aim of developing the European labour market for researchers.
UK HEIs can apply to gain the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award, which recognises their alignment with the principles of the Charter and Code. The UK process incorporates the QAA Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
What is NTU’s strategy for implementing the Concordat?
One of the University’s strategic objectives is to be recognised both nationally and internationally for the relevance of our research. The second Strategic Platform of the University Strategic Plan 2010-2015 provides further details on our achievement aims in this regard.
NTU fully endorses the ethos of the Concordat and recognises that research staff are a valuable constituency within the University to ensure that we succeed in the delivery of our strategy. In recognition of the need to support the development of researchers, share best practice and reward success, NTU has developed and launched a Researcher Development Framework. The implementation of this Framework is overseen by each of the College Associate Deans for Research and there is a regular reporting cycle to the College and University Research Committees on the deliverables from this Framework.
To ensure that the Concordat is implemented and monitored, the University’s Concordat Management Group (CMG) is working to shape future strategy, policy and development in a manner that benefits our researchers. The group is represented by researchers, (both early stage and senior) alongside senior academics and professional services staff. The Concordat Management Group is led by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research and reports to the University’s Research Committee. Overall, responsibility for the University's implementation of the Concordat is held by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research as Chair of both of these bodies.
The strategy to enable NTU’s compliance with the Concordat is structured around three key areas:
Raising awareness
- providing our staff with an understanding of policies and practices that support the Concordat and the Charter and Code
- highlighting individual researcher’s responsibility for engaging in their own personal and career development
Practice
- ensuring that policies and practice are reviewed to provide the best environment for research staff
- promoting best practice across the University through dissemination of policy and practice via various media and sharing opportunities to ensure continual review and improvement
- influencing the future development opportunities available to research staff (we are fully committed to attracting the very best researchers and helping them to develop their careers and make their career choices realistically and effectively, whatever their chosen career path)
Communication
- using various models of communication, including web-based media, to maintain the fair and equal treatment of our researchers
- ensuring that our researchers, their supervisors and other staff are fully aware of policy and practice
- overseeing the communication of the Action Plan, according to the Universities UK letter, March 2010, Aligning your institution with the European Charter and Code.
If you would like to contact CMG with comments or suggestions please email Lindsay Davies.
The NTU implementation of the Concordat is informed and enhanced by national and regional organisations and initiatives, including Universities UK and Research Councils UK.
We work closely with Vitae, the national organisation championing the personal, professional and career development of researchers via their regular updates and through representation on regional fora. Vitae offers a range of information, resources and events which enable HEIs to ensure compliance with the Concordat and also explore ways to further enhance the development of our researchers.
