The Researcher Development Concordat 2019 is structured around three Principles:
Each Principle is underpinned by obligations for four stakeholder groups: funders, institutions, researchers and managers of researchers (PIs).
The primary beneficiary of the Concordat principles are those employed to conduct research (postdocs and early career researchers). It is to benefit the whole researchers community within the UK to improve the environment and culture within which research is conducted. The York Graduate Research School has taken the decision to extend the implementation of the commitment to Professional Development to Postgraduate Research Students (PGRs).
Organisations who wish to sign up to implementing the Principles of the Concordat must produce an action plan detailing how the principles will be implemented. The Concordat is owned by the sector and overseen by the Concordat Strategy Group.
The University of York became aignatory of the RD Concordat in March 2020. In committing to the implementation of the principles the University has an obligation to undertake a gap analysis, publish an action plan and to systematically gathering and acting upon the view of researchers to inform policies and practices. The University joins UKRI, UUK and other major funders of research along with a significant number of Russell Group universities. The University’s specific commitment reads as follows:
The Principles of Employment, Professional & Career Development and Environment & Culture map to our Equality, Diversion and Inclusion strategy and HR policies and to our institutional commitment to provide a working and learning environment which is fair, welcoming and inclusive and where staff and students can fulfil their potential. We will bring together colleagues from academic departments (at all career stages), professional services and our research staff liaison officers to ensure the creation and implementation of an ambitious and robust action plan. We agree to work collectively and engage with initiatives to address systemic challenges in progressing towards a UK research system where researchers work in healthy and supportive environments. We agree that researchers should be recognised and valued for their contributions in research and beyond, supported in their professional and career development, and equipped and empowered to succeed in their chosen careers.
The Concordat Implementation Group oversee the creation and implementation of the RD Concordat. The group is chaired and championed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement
The Concordat - Essential Information for Institutions (PDF , 261kb)
The obligations of the Concordat include a commitment to the provision and implementation of a range of opportunities and interventions. This includes:
The University of York's action plan is underpinned by a rigorous concordat consultation process. It will be published as an interim draft document in accordance with the requirements of the HR Excellence in Research Recognition process. A final version will be circulated mid-October 2020 for comment and a paper submitted for approval by URC in December. This final version will be published by January 2021.
Information for new staff can now found on our new staff induction webpages.