Researcher Development Concordat
The University of Cambridge is a signatory to the Researcher Development Concordat.
The ‘Concordat’ is an agreement across the Higher Education sector of a set of responsibilities and working practices required to create a healthy and supportive culture for research.
It has three defining principles:
- Environment and culture
- Employment
- Professional and career development.
Within each principle there are obligations for institutions, funders, managers of researchers, and researchers themselves.
What does it mean for me?
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.
Find more information about how the Concordat affects postdocs here.
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.
Find a detailed breakdown of the responsibilities for managers of researchers here.
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.