Agreement on research careers to strengthen UK’s skills base

A new agreement will ensure that the UK’s researchers are nurtured and supported during their career development. By setting out clear expectations for researchers, research managers, research institutions, and funders of research, the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers aims to sustain research excellence in the UK, bringing benefits to the health, economy and well being of the nation.

The new Concordat was formally launched by Iain Pearson MP, Minister of State, Science and Innovation on 25 June at an event in Westminster Hall, London. Dr Isi Saragossi, from the Directorate-General for Research at the European Commission formally recognised the Concordat as meeting the principles of the European Charter and Code of Practice for the recruitment of researchers.

The Concordat was revised during 2007 by a UK higher education sector working group, co-ordinated by Universities UK and Research Councils UK (RCUK). This group mapped the European Charter and Code against existing UK legislation, guidelines and good practice in order to provide a comprehensive gap analysis. The gap analysis demonstrated that in most cases the UK already meets the requirements of the European Charter and Code and no major conflicts with current practice in the UK were identified. Some aspects of the Charter and Code require further clarification and these are highlighted within the gap analysis.

In addition to the gap analysis, a sector-wide consultation on the overall framework of the draft Concordat, its principles and content was undertaken in 2007.