The University has retained the European Commission ‘HR Excellence in Research award’ for its ongoing work in implementing ‘The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’.
Presented by the European Commission and confirmed by the organisation Vitae, the Award demonstrates Southampton’s commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff, whilst continually striving to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.
Southampton originally received the award in 2012 which was then retained in 2014 following a two-year review. Key achievements in recent years include the development of careers advice specifically for research colleagues where there was none previously and the creation of a university-wide mentoring scheme, plus the introduction of local mentoring schemes in three faculties, which have enabled more researchers to engage in mentoring. There have also been significant increases in the numbers of research staff offered University induction, appraisals and training in Equality and Diversity, whilst the Reward Project has created the framework through which the research staff experience can be better monitored and reported on.
Dr Julie Reeves, Southampton’s Researcher Development Co-ordinator, said: “The retention of this award from the European Commission reflects the hard work and commitment of staff to our researchers, and is an endorsement of our collegial approach. This is a tremendous achievement for the University following the Athena SWAN institutional silver award in recognition of our continued efforts to improve fairness and equality for women in academic careers.”
Dr Reeves cited the work of the University’s Career Development Researchers Working Group as instrumental to Southampton’s success. The Group is chaired by Professor Mandy Fader, Dean of Health Sciences, and was previously chaired by Professor Rachel Mills, Dean of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The Group comprises colleagues across the University including Faculty Concordat Champions, research staff, and representatives from the key stakeholders of Southampton’s Institute for Learning Innovation and Development (ILIaD), the Equality & Diversity team, Careers & Employability Service, International Relations, the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) and Human Resources.
“Support for the careers of our researches is pivotal to our ongoing success in delivering world class research,” says Professor Mandy Fader “I am proud that we have once again received this award that recognises the importance we place on implementing the Concordat.”
The HR Excellence in Research Award remains an important step in the recognition by the University of the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
Professor S. Mark Spearing, Vice-President (Research and Enterprise) commented:
“This is excellent news. Many thanks to everyone involved for achieving this very positive outcome.”
Click here to find out more about the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers at the University.
