Dear colleagues,
Please find below some news from the Research Excellence Framework (REF), and details of ECU workshops for equality and diversity practitioners exploring the equality requirements of the REF. We’ve developed these workshops after several colleagues highlighted how useful they would be.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) team held a consultation on the REF draft panel criteria and working methods that closed on 5 October 2011. The REF team today (28 October 2011) announced an early decision on the arrangements for taking account of maternity leave in the REF.
The REF team said:
'An overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation supported the proposal that researchers may reduce the number of outputs in a submission by one, for each period of maternity leave taken during the REF period.
In light of the response, the funding bodies have decided that this approach will be implemented across all panels.
Further details of these arrangements, including arrangements for paternity and adoption leave, will be published as part of the final REF panel criteria and working methods, in January 2012.'
ECU welcomes this decision, which reflects our response to the initial consultation.
Ellen Pugh, senior policy adviser covering gender, said:
'This is a significant step towards recognising the impact of pregnancy and maternity on women's careers and will help to ensure that more women are included in REF submissions. Inclusion in the REF can have significant implications for career progression and promotion.'
ECU has developed half-day workshops exploring the equality requirements of the REF, specifically for equality and diversity practitioners.
The workshops are designed to help you understand how to assist and contribute to your institution’s REF work.
The workshops will provide contextual information on the REF, and the equality measures that have been introduced. Key documents, resources and materials will be highlighted and the session will provide practitioners with the opportunity to discuss their institution’s REF work.
The workshop will be a mix of presentation and discussion, led by Ellen Pugh, Senior Policy Adviser, or Gary Loke, Head of Policy at ECU.
Topics to be covered include:
· Background to the equality requirements of the REF
· Developing a code of practice
· Individual staff circumstances
21 November 2011, Morning session – University of Manchester
21 November 2011, Afternoon session – University of Manchester
24 November 2011, Afternoon session – University of Edinburgh
We will also be running morning and afternoon sessions in London and Bristol, dates and locations to be confirmed.
Two members of equality and diversity staff per institution can attend. A waiting list will be created for further staff members should places be available.
This event is free to attend, although registration is necessary. A £50.00 fee applies for non-attendance.
Click on the session details above to register and for further information
Best wishes
Anna
Anna Roberts Allison
Communications Manager
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Equality Challenge Unit
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