Concordat to support the career development of researchers
What is it?
The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, commonly known as the Researcher Development Concordat, is an agreement between stakeholders to improve the employment and support for researchers and researcher careers in higher education in the UK.
The Concordat sets out three clear principles of environment and culture, employment, and professional and career development. The principles are underpinned by obligations for the four key stakeholder groups, funders, institutions, researchers and managers of researchers, to realise the aims of the Concordat.
What is the University of Portsmouth approach?
We have identified six priority areas to address in 2026-2029. Whilst the concordat has a specific target audience of staff typically on fixed term contracts solely focused on delivering research, our aims will support a broader group of staff. These six priorities flow into the action plan which outlines the activities designed to meet the objectives of the Concordat. These objectives also align with the European Commission HR Excellence in Research award which we have held for 13 years.
The group responsible for oversight and delivery of the action plan is the Research Culture Development Group, which includes the convenors of the Research Staff Forum, Researchers Network (for early-mid career staff), Associate Professors Forum, and Professors Forum. Also included in this group are representatives from the Department of Research and Innovation, the Doctoral College, Human Resources, and Careers and Employability.
Where can I find out more?
On our Research Governance webpage, under the European Commission (EC) HR Excellence in Research Award section, you can view the University’s current action plan and reporting documentation covering the past 10-13 years. Every year we provide a report to our Governing Body on how we are progressing against the Concordat actions.
How can I get involved?
If you’d like to join one of our working groups or support the Concordat in any way please contact researchculture@port.ac.uk.