What is the Concordat?

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

To view a copy download the pdf from www.researchconcordat.ac.uk (requires adobe acrobat). 

Who are the signatories?

The Concordat is an agreement between UK government, UK Research Councils, UK Education Funding Councils and Universities UK.  

The Key Principles of the Concordat  involve:

1. Recruitment and Selection
2. Recognition and Value
3. Support and Career Development
4. Researchers’ Responsibilities
5. Diversity and Equality
6. Implementation and Review

You can also read specific briefings from Vitae for researchers, managers of researchers, senior managers, human resource specialists, staff developers and career specialists.

Launch of the Concordat at GCU – November 2008

In November 2008, Glasgow Caledonian University was one of the first Scottish universities to invite Dr Ian Cameron, Head of the Research Councils UK Careers and Diversity Unit, to speak and help launch the 2008 UK Government Research Concordat: to Support the Career Development of Researchers at GCU.  He gave the 3rd annual GCU Welcome Celebration research guest lecture to over 120 GCU researchers and staff who provide services to researchers.  

Gap Analysis against the Concordat

At Glasgow Caledonian University, we are pleased to note that, through our Human Resource and Organisational Development Departments, we have the Concordat good practice systems in place for the recruitment, selection, recognition and value of researchers.  Through partnerships with the Graduate School, CREDO, research leaders and staff across the Schools and Support Departments, we are also at the forefront of providing support, comprehensive training and development for the whole continuum of our researchers – from research students to research leaders - in their research careers.

GCU’s action plan to implement the Concordat

The pan-University Graduate School has since its creation in 2006 provided development workshops for both staff and students to meet the needs of the Concordat and the Roberts research training agenda.  The result is over 100 ½ day interactive, experiential workshops, 10 multi-day courses and a 3 day local GradSchool,  offered by over 150 staff from across the University’s Academic Schools and Support Departments in a wide range of research, personal, professional and research leadership skills.  They form the Graduate School’s programmes "How to be an effective Researcher for research students and new researchers", "How to be an effective Research Leader" and "How to be an effective Supervisor".  

CREDO - Caledonian Research Excellence Development Opportunities - was also recently established in 2011 to address gaps in provision not addressed within the Graduate School remit.

The university’s Action Plan 2011:

•    shows how we are progressing in our achievement of the Principles of the Concordat.
•    gives our plans for the future.

Further information

Download more information on the Action Plan or please contact  B.Steves@gcu.ac.uk.