HR Excellence in Research Award
King’s receives EU recognition for researcher development
King’s College London is one of a further 12 UK institutions who have now been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission, bringing the total number of Higher Education Institutions recognised in the UK to 50.
Recognition is granted to universities within the European Union whose policies and practice show commitment to supporting researchers' careers and ensuring good working conditions and career development opportunities for researchers. Awards are granted to HEIs submitting an action plan for implementing the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers1. King's action plan highlights the good work already being done at King's and outlines our continued commitment to building on this work in the future and is published here:
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/school/training/OtherInformation/ImplementationActionPlan.pdf
A UK-wide process, incorporating the QAA Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, enables institutions to gain the European Commission’s ‘HR excellence in research’ badge, acknowledging alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment.
Chris Mottershead, Vice Principal for Research and Innovation says “Research staff comprise a significant proportion of the academic community at King’s College London and the College recognises that they are a key part of the College’s mission to advance knowledge, learning and understanding in the service of society. For this reason, the College is committed to improving the policies and procedures in place to ensure their welfare and support and we are delighted to be recognised for the work we are doing in this area."
Fiona Denney, Head of Graduate Development at King’s said “Many of the issues affecting research staff are unique to this group of staff, underlining the need for dedicated support. We have worked hard over the past few years to improve the experiences of research staff at King’s and to increase the number and range of development opportunities available to them. We are pleased to gain this award in recognition of the work that has been led by Anna Price and colleagues across the College, and the further work that is now set out in the action plan”
These views mirror the national view on researcher development. Professor Eric Thomas, speaking as President of Universities UK, said "I am delighted to announce that 12 UK institutions have been awarded the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission for their work to implement the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. Research and innovation are a key priority for UK universities and this award recognises the increase in support being provided for the career and professional development of researchers."
As a holder of this award, the University will continue to participate in national and European evaluation and benchmarking.
1 The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, is an agreement singed in 2008 between the employers and finders of researchers in the UK, backed by many of the UK’s leading research funders and learned societies, including Research Councils UK, the Royal Society, the British Academy and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers and sets out the expectations of researchers, their managers, employers and funders.
For further details on the Concordat:
http://www.researchconcordat.ac.uk/