Supporting the Concordat Action Plan

The University is committed to supporting career development for researchers across the board. The Concordat is an agreement between employers of researchers and research funders in the UK on the expectations for the professional development and employment conditions of researchers in the UK.

The former Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson signed the Concordat for Researcher Development on 22nd April 2021.

The University's Action Plan 2022-2025 was co-developed with researchers, academics, and professional services colleagues and outlines how we, as a community, will fulfil the Concordat. Please see our action plan* - Concordat to Support Career Development of Researchers: Action Plan 2022-2025.

The action plan has three overarching goals:  

1. Creating a research environment that is supportive, inclusive, and equitable  
2. Recognising and valuing the diverse contributions of researchers  
3. Supporting researchers to achieve a range of career goals  

Researchers, Principal Investigators/line managers and professional support staff have responsibilities and roles to play in fulfilling our collective aims. 

In May 2023, the University published the first Annual Report, the reporting period for Year One of the Action Plan is April 2022 – March 2023. Please see our report - Annual Report for the Concordat.

Progress has been achieved by closely collaborating with divisions and supported by central teams. Key achievements include:

• Career Development Reviews rolled out by local stakeholders

• Community building via a revitalised researcher representational structure led by six Academic Advocates for Research Staff

• Expansion of dedicated careers support that is tailored to the needs of research staff

• Improved signposting, notably through our new Researcher's Trailmap

• Management skills training for researchers/PIs to equip managers to support the career development of researchers 

For more information on the national Concordat and our specific commitments please see the Concordat Action Plan webpage.

The Careers Service offers careers support to all researchers employed on a fixed-term basis by the University or a college during, and for one year after, their contract period.