Enhancing the researcher environment
We are proud to be part of the University's drive to deliver the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers
It is the University of Sheffield’s intention to put the development of our research staff and the culture in which they work, at the heart of our vision for world-leading, impactful research.
We fully support the Principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and we intend to uphold our obligations and responsibilities as a signatory.
The Concordat, commonly known as the Researcher Development Concordat, is an agreement between funders and employers of researchers to improve the employment and support for researchers and researcher careers in higher education in the UK.
It sets out three clear principles of:
- Environment and culture.
- Employment.
- Professional and career development.
These are underpinned by obligations for four key stakeholder groups:
- Funders.
- Institutions.
- Researchers.
- Managers of researchers.
Download The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (PDF, 2MB)
We have created a series of videos where staff at the University of Sheffield share what the Researcher Development Concordat means to them. View the videos via this link.
Annual Reports
You can download our annual reports here.
Annual Report 2022-2023 Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (PDF, 548KB)
What are we doing to implement the Concordat at Sheffield?
Researcher Development Action Plan
Our Researcher Development Action Plan was formally launched in September 2022 after extensive consultation with researchers, academics and professional services staff who support researchers from across the University. Since signing the Concordat we have started to make progress in many areas and this action plan remains a live document which will be constantly under review. We welcome ongoing input from our community of researchers and the institution as a whole is accountable for the implementation of the action plan.
University charters for early career researchers and the development of research staff by their line managers
The University has developed a charter for early career research staff and a charter for the development of research staff by their line managers and the University.
The charters set out the expectations and responsibilities of all parties to uphold the principles of the concordat and create an environment which supports the career development of researchers.
Download: A Charter for Early Career Research Staff (PDF, 84KB)
A commitment to professional career development for all Research Staff
The University has made a commitment to provide all research staff with the equivalent of one day per month time allocation for professional career development.
The document, which can be downloaded below, outlines the University's accepted definition of researcher professional development.
Download: Definition of researcher professional development (PDF, 41KB)
Development guidance for Grade 6 and Grade 7 Researchers
The University has launched guidance to provide researchers working at Grades 6 and 7 with information which can support their professional development.
View the Development guidance for G6/7 Researchers (available to internal staff only).