I agree with Rachel that it is worth putting forward a case, in no uncertain terms. Not least because the need to have REFable publications features in early career job postings and thus also affects women who are seeking a first lectureship in an increasingly competitive (and international) job market. I think the issue of part-time work is also an important one - like Rachel I've taken both mat leave and worked (still work) part-time, while male colleagues at the same stage (with young children) for the most part neither take leave nor work part-time (and if they do they are lauded for it, rather than perceived as less-than-committed).
I think this is exactly the kind of area in which the WGSG can and should make an impact - and speaks to the relevance of current name!
Best, Kendra.
Dr. Kendra Strauss
Research Associate in Urban Political Economy
School of Geographical & Earth Sciences
University of Glasgow
East Quadrangle, University Avenue
Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
[log in to unmask]
* Please note that from September 1st 2011 my days of work will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.
________________________________________
From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rachel Pain [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 15 September 2011 13:58
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: new HEFCE proposals for REF
Its not good enough, but it may not be too late. Leading up the last RAE a small group of us lobbied on this issue - and especially for those working on fractional contracts - and things did change. At that time the exact guidance varied from panel to panel, Geography altering quite late on as I remember. It is worth making the case, collectively and individually to panel members.
Maybe WGSG could come up with a statement in response, others of us could get support from other research groups, and see what the RGS is planning in terms of a generic response too?
Another level of awareness raising locally is sometimes needed, too - because even when you officially make it as someone with "clearly defined circumstances", departments may not be keen to 'show weakness' or 'make excuses' (both direct quotes from my years of maternity leave and part-time work). I hope this is no longer typical.
rachel
-----Original Message-----
From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maclean, Kate
Sent: 15 September 2011 12:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: new HEFCE proposals for REF
I've had a number of concerned colleagues email me about this and like the others who've commented I am really shocked and saddened. I think there have always been huge gender issues with RAE/REF but it seems to be getting worse. Apparently (and i only have this second hand) alternatives were suggested by arts and humanities panels, but were vetoed by the scientists on the grounds that they favoured women!!!!!
Is it worth responding to the consultation - either as an individual or a group? They're taking comments until 5/10/11 http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/ref/pubs/2011/03_11/consult/
The Women's Network here at King's is having a session on Gender and the REF on 10th November to raise awareness of the issues and what can be done about them. Are there similar events elsewhere? Perhaps we could bring them together in some way for a concerted response.
Best,
Kate
Dr Kate Maclean
Lecturer in Human Geography
King's College London
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/geography/people/academic/maclean/index.aspx
tel +44 (0)207 848 2802
________________________________________
From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Janet Townsend [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 15 September 2011 10:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: new HEFCE proposals for REF
I agree with Suzy and sympathise with Clara. I was amazed. Janet
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clara Greed
>Sent: 14 September 2011 7:44 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [WGSG] new HEFCE proposals for REF
>
>every birth and every death should count as at least the equivalent of one
>international journal article, if not a whole series!
>
>clara
>
>Dr Clara Greed MBE, FCIOB MRTPI, FRGS
>Emerita Professor of Inclusive Urban Planning
>Department of Planning and Architecture
>University of the West of England
>Frenchay Campus
>Bristol
>BS16 1QY
>01275 844448 and 0117 32 83383
>From 31st July 2011 please always copy messages to me to
>[log in to unmask]
>________________________________________
>From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>[[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Avril Maddrell
>[[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: 14 September 2011 11:54
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: new HEFCE proposals for REF
>
>Dear Suzy,
>
>Many thanks for flagging this. WGSG will follow this up, but if it is as it appears,
>it will need concerted and co-ordinated responses from across the sector:
>departments/ universities, unions, learned societies etc..
>
>Watch this space.
>
>Best wishes,
>Avril
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Suzanne Reimer
>Sent: 14 September 2011 11:22
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: new HEFCE proposals for REF
>
>(Just to preface this with apologies for being a lapsed WGSG member--will
>sort this out in a minute, but as I'm still subscribed to the mailing list...)
>
>Has anyone else encountered the news publicised yesterday by UCU (see
>http://www.ucu.org.uk/index.cfm?articleid=5716&from=5710)? Apparently
>HEFCE has draft proposals for new REF guidelines on maternity and adoption
>leave which will penalise new mothers. I'm saddened, shocked and angered
>in fairly equal measure.
>
>Suzy
>
>Dr. Suzanne Reimer
>Geography and Environment
>University of Southampton
>Highfield, Southampton
>SO17 1BJ
>email: [log in to unmask]
>tel: 02380 598816
|