Strategy Group welcomes review of Concordat to support researchers’ career development

By 18.09.18

The Concordat Strategy Group (CSG) has welcomed the ten-year review of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. Its commissioning of an independent review of the Concordat coincides with the Government’s ambition to increase investment in research and development to 2.4% of GDP by 2027.

The Science Council’s Kelly Vere, who represents the Science Council on the Concordat Strategy Group, said “We welcome the outcomes of the Concordat review report, particularly the recommendation to broaden the definition of ‘researchers’ to be inclusive of all staff engaged in research, including technicians who play such a vital part in UK research and innovation”

Professor David Bogle, Chair of the Independent Review panel, and Pro-Vice-Provost of Doctoral School, University College London  presented the panel’s findings and recommendations at the Vitae Researcher Development International Conference on Monday 17th September.

The revised Concordat will help nurture and develop the sharp, independent minds that both the academic world and the world beyond need to drive innovation crucial for our society.

Professor David Bogle

Professor Julia Buckingham, CBE, Chair of Concordat Strategy Group, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Brunel University London, will be providing the CSG response to the report and announcing the launch of a sector consultation.

The review report reinforces the positive impact the Concordat has had and that there is more to be done to maximise the potential of our researchers – essential for the future of UK research and innovation, and for meeting the skills gap

Professor Julia Buckingham

The CSG will undertake a broad consultation and sector engagement through the autumn on the review recommendations to inform the revision of the Concordat through focus groups and activities engaging different audiences. The revised Concordat will be developed in partnership with the sector.

The review’s recommendations include:

  • broadening the definition of ‘researchers’ to include all staff engaged in research
  • increasing support for researcher independence
  • finding solutions to the problems of mobility, time-limited contracts and promotion
  • continuing to be owned by the sector, with implementation overseen by a representative steering group
  • including new principles for funders and principal investigators

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.