The University of Cambridge is an official signatory of the Researcher Development Concordat.
The ‘Concordat’ is an agreement across the HE sector of a set of responsibilities and working practices required to create a healthy and supportive culture for research.
The Concordat has three defining principles:
- Environment & culture
- Employment
- Professional & career development
Within each principle there are obligations for institutions, funders, managers of researchers, and researchers themselves.
How is the Concordat being implemented at Cambridge?
Implementation of the Concordat is being led by a working group with membership drawn from across the institution.
The group reports to the Postdoctoral Matters Committee, HR Committee and Research Policy Committee. The group is currently conducting a gap analysis against our institutional obligations, and will publish an action plan by the end of 2020.
Find out more about the Concordat Working Group.
There will be an open meeting on 4 March for further information and your chance to ask questions.
What does it mean for me?
I am:
- a postdoc
- an academic with postdocs working for me
- an administrator/HR professional who supports postdocs at Cambridge
I'm a postdoc
The Concordat is intended to drive positive change in research culture which will result in many benefits for postdocs.
There is a big emphasis on ensuring postdocs have access to time and opportunities for their own professional development, and that their managers should engage with them in open career discussions.
In return, you must take ownership of your career and professional development, including considering a wide range of career paths, seeking support and engaging with broader activities outside of your main research.
All researchers have a responsibility to contribute towards a healthy research environment, and you are encouraged to take up opportunities to give feedback and shape policy at Cambridge for future generations of postdocs.
What are my obligations as a researcher?
Career & professional development
I'm an academic with postdocs working for me
The Concordat is intended to drive positive change in research culture, to increase the appeal and sustainability of research careers in the UK.
As a manager of researchers, you have a responsibility to create a supportive and inclusive research environment for your staff. In particular, you are encouraged to support your postdocs with their career aspirations, including engaging in career discussions, and allowing them time for their own professional development.
The Concordat is likely to have an impact across the university. The Concordat Working Group is keen to support you in your responsibilities and welcomes your input on developing policies and useful, practical guidance for PIs.
What are my obligations as a manager of researchers?
Career & professional development
I’m an administrator or HR professional who supports postdocs at Cambridge
The Concordat is intended to drive positive change in research culture, which will benefit all those who work in the research environment.
As someone who works directly at the interface with researchers, your support is vital in ensuring institutional policies around the Concordat are felt in practice by those they are intended to benefit.
Communication and awareness-raising of relevant policies and activities will be important, as will supporting the gathering of data and evidence to show how we are progressing towards our aims.
The Concordat Working Group is keen to support you in your responsibilities and welcomes your input on developing policies and useful, practical guidance for schools and departments.