Implementing the Concordat at Plymouth

Learn about the Concordat implementation activities we have undertaken
Marine Building close up view
Direct responsibility for implementing the Concordat and HR Excellence in Research award across University of Plymouth is placed with the Doctoral College and Human Resources with approval and sign-off by the Doctoral College Board.
We review our work with Researchers through the Concordat Working Group and Doctoral College Board. We additionally consult with researchers through the University Researcher Forum and Faculty ECR Forum meetings throughout the year. We welcome comments and ideas for development and support for our researchers and any updates can be emailed to researchskills@plymouth.ac.uk.

2024

Our annual Concordat Signatory report, September 2024 is available:

2023

Our 12-year external report, updated action plan 2021–2023, and action plan 2023–2026 are available:

2022

Our annual Concordat Signatory report and Concordat for Researchers action plan, March 2022 are available:

2021

Our 10-year internal report, updated action plan 2019–2021, and action plan 2021–2023 are available:
On 24 September 2021, our HR Excellence in Research award was renewed through an internal (UK) process.

2019

Our eight-year external report, updated action plan 2019, action plan 2019–2021 and case study are available:
On 20 September 2019, our HR Excellence in Research award was renewed through an external (UK/EU) process.

2017

Our six-year internal report, updated action plan 2017, and action plan 2017–2019 are available:
On 22 September 2017, our HR Excellence in Research award was renewed through an internal (UK) process.

2015

Our four-year external report, action plan and case study are available:
On 25 September 2015, our HR Excellence in Research award was renewed through an external (UK/EU) process.

2013

In March 2012, we established an HR Excellence in Research Steering Group to continue our work supporting the Concordat and our Researchers at Plymouth. In August 2013 the HR Excellence in Research Steering Group conducted our two yearly internal assessment for our Award.
Our two-year internal report and Action Plan are available:
On 27 September 2013, our HR Excellence in Research award was renewed through an internal (UK) process.

2011

In early 2011 a working group at the University conducted an internal analysis of our Concordat related work. This analysis focussed our attentions on the Concordat principles and the European Charter for Researchers.
On 5 September 2011, we successfully achieved the European HR Excellence in Research Award based on an assessment by a European wide panel.

2008

Since July 2008 we have undertaken the following Concordat implementation activities:
  • Sent the Concordat to research staff and line managers of research staff (including Principal Investigators):
    Concordat Letter July 2008 .
  • Profiled the Concordat on institution’s internal and external web pages.
  • Profiled and added links to the Organisational Development programme for staff and the Doctoral College’s skills development programme for Research Students.
  • Embedded the Researcher Development Framework through the Doctoral College and Organisational Development programmes and through the Research Staff Forum.
  • Established the Research Staff Forum to promote Concordat-related discussion and development.
  • Administered Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Delivered CROS results to Research Staff Forum.
  • Hosted a leadership event for Principal Investigators in February 2011.
  • Established the Early Career Researchers Forum including representation on the Research and Innovation Committee.
  • Commenced discussion with Teaching and Learning Directorate on linking Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) development opportunities for Research Staff.
  • Hosted a Concordat implementation visit from Universities UK in February 2011.