Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

This Concordat is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support of researchers in UK higher education. It sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from their institutions and outlines their responsibilities as researchers. The Concordat aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK, improving the quantity, quality, and impact of research for the benefit of society and the economy.

The Concordat was created in 1996, revised in 2007 and it is signed by a number of bodies, including University Research Councils and Universities UK. The HR Excellence in Research Award demonstrates a commitment to meeting the principles of the European Charter and Code.

A UK-wide process enables UK HEIs to gain the European Commission's 'HR Excellence in Research' badge, which acknowledges their alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Researchers and incorporates the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support of researchers and research careers in the UK higher education. It sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the institution that employs them, as well as their responsibilities as researchers. The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.

The Vice Chancellor's Letter of Commitment to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers at the University of Suffolk.

The three main principles of the Concordat are:

Environment and culture - Excellent research requires a supportive and inclusive ‌research culture
Employment - Researchers are recruited, employed and managed under conditions that recognise and value their contributions
Professional and career development - Professional and career development are integral to enabling researchers to develop their full potential

These 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.

University of Suffolk Annual Report, the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (2022-2023)