Researcher Development Concordat

Researcher Development Concordat

Creating the very best culture for our researchers.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, commonly known as the ‘Researcher Development Concordat’, is an agreement between stakeholders, including Kent, to improve the employment and support for researchers in UK HE.  

We fully support the Concordat principles and are working collectively to implement them across the University.

The Concordat establishes a number of principles which are underpinned by obligations for four key stakeholder groups: funders, institutions, researchers and managers of researchers. Since signing up to the Concordat in June 2020, we have been working with the Researcher Development Advisory Group (RDAG) to embed these three principles across Kent.

Environment and Culture

“Excellent research requires a supportive and inclusive research culture”

This Concordat Principle 'recognises that a proactive and collaborative approach is required between all stakeholders, to create and develop positive environments and cultures in which all researchers can flourish and achieve their full potential.'

It acknowledges that 'healthy working environments attract and develop a more diverse workforce, impact positively on individual and institutional performance, and enhance staff engagement.'

Employment

“Researchers are recruited, employed and managed under conditions that recognise and value their contributions”

This Concordat Principle 'recognises the importance of fair, transparent and merit-based recruitment, progression and promotion, effective performance management, and a good work-life balance.'

It acknowledges that:

  • 'Provision of good employment conditions for researchers has positive impacts on researcher wellbeing, the attractiveness of research careers, and research excellence.
  • 'All stakeholders need to address long-standing challenges around insecurity of employment and career progression, ensuring equality of experience and opportunity for all, irrespective of background, contract type and personal circumstances.'

Professional and Career Development

“Professional and career development are integral to enabling researchers to develop their full potential”

This Concordat Principle 'recognises the importance of continuous professional and career development, particularly as researchers pursue a wide range of careers.'

It acknowledges that 'researchers must be equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse global research environment and employment market.'

Guidance and support

  View current priorities and detailed progress relating to all three principles in our Concordat documentation, which includes the University’s latest Concordat Annual Report.

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Documentation

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (PDF).

Letter of Commitment to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.