Where full-time equivalence (FTE) is used to determine the total number of research outputs that need to be returned, part-time working would be reflected in the number of outputs required. Other individual circumstances (such as parental leave) would not be captured in the total number of research outputs required. The proposed decoupling of staff from outputs in the assessment is intended to provide flexibility to institutions to return more or less than the average number of outputs per staff member, and we are seeking views on whether this approach would provide sufficient flexibility to allow for individual circumstances. We welcome consultation responses that address equality and diversity considerations and consequences of these proposals, as well as across the proposals more widely. We will establish an Equality and Diversity Advisory Panel, to advise on the implications of the proposals and ensure those with protected characteristics are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the process that is implemented.