Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

The University of Lincoln has been successful in gaining the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award. The University became a signatory of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers in February 2020. A copy of the letter publicly committing to the principles and signatory responsibilities of the Concordat, signed by Vice Chancellor Professor Mary Stuart, can be found on the Vitae website.

As part of the obligations of being a signatory of the Concordat the University needed to submit an HR Excellence in Research action plan and have an external review within the first year of being a signatory. The action plan must detail how the organisation aims to meet the principles of the Concordat. The University of Lincoln's HR Excellence in Research action plan and Institutional Context was submitted to the European Commission in October 2020. There will be a continual review of the action plan and the University will undertake an internal self-assessment of progress in achieving the actions/outcomes set out in their action/implementation plan.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers – also known as the Researcher Development Concordat – is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support for research careers in UK higher education and benefits the whole community. The Concordat not only helps to improve environment and culture within which research is conducted, but also recognises the role of research and innovation in delivering the UK’s industrial and economic strategies. The Concordat sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the institution that employs them, as well as their responsibilities as researchers.

Stakeholders in the Concordat include:

• Researchers
• Managers of Researchers
• Institutions
• Funders

The Concordat is structured around three core principles, which are underpinned by obligations for the four groups of stakeholders:

• Environment and Culture – a supportive and inclusive research culture positively impacts on individual and institutional performance, and helps attract a diverse workforce.
• Employment – good employment conditions positively impact on research excellence, researcher wellbeing, and promotes research careers.
• Professional and Career Development – enabling researchers to develop to their full potential.

Further information on the context and the action plan can be read below.

HR Excellence in Research Action Plan 2020 - 2022

HR Excellence in Research Action Plan 2023 - 2026

HR Excellence in Research Two Year Report - 2023 (PDF)

Context for Action Plan (PDF)

University of Lincoln Concordat Annual Report 2021 (PDF)

University of Lincoln Concordat Annual Report 2022 (PDF)