The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

An agreement setting out clear expectations for researchers, research managers, research institutions, and funders of research was launched at the end of June 2008.

The 'Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers' describes standards, expectations and responsibilities for the proper management and development of academic researchers in universities and higher education colleges across the UK.

The agreement updates the previous Concordat of 1996, by addressing the changes in legislation over the last decade for staff on fixed-term contracts, and takes into account the introduction of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. HEFCE has become a signatory to the Concordat and will also contribute to the costs of its implementation over the coming years.

The Concordat consists of a set of key principles for the future support and management of research careers:

recognition of the importance of recruiting, selecting and retaining researchers with the highest potential to achieve excellence in research
researchers are recognised and valued by their employing organisation as an essential part of their organisation's human resources and a key component of their overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research
researchers are equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse, mobile, global research environment
the importance of researchers' personal and career development, and lifelong learning, is clearly recognised and promoted at all stages of their career
individual researchers share the responsibility for and need to pro-actively engage in their own personal and career development, and lifelong learning
diversity and equality must be promoted in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of researchers
the sector and all stakeholders will undertake regular and collective review of their progress in strengthening the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK.

The Concordat was launched in tandem with Vitae, the new body incorporating the UK GRAD and UK HERD (Higher Education Researcher Development) support groups. Vitae is supported by Research Councils UK, managed by the career development organisation, CRAC and delivered in partnership with universities. Its aim is to help the higher education sector support the professional development of researchers and their careers and play a strong role supporting the implementation of the Concordat.

Page last updated 10 November 2011