Recognition of our Commitment and Work in Supporting the Career Development of Research Staff

The University of Portsmouth is committed to being a university of choice, nationally and globally with staff who embody our drive for excellence; and so we are pleased to announce, as per the press release from Vitae on Monday 23rd October 2023, that the University has successfully retained the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award at the 10 year stage – an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, demonstrating our commitment to our staff.

An independent panel of experts found that the University has demonstrated impact against its published action plan 2021-2023, along with the 2023-2026 action plan further developing our commitment to good working conditions and career development for researchers. 

A few of the benefits recognised with the award are:

  • Contribution to strategic goals: including improving the quality and impact of research, contributing to institutional strategies to appoint, develop and retain the best staff to pursue excellence, and the preparation of researchers for wide employability and economic contribution
  • Impetus for change: supporting culture change internally
  • Raising the status of researcher development 
  • Attracting funding
  • Opportunities it brings to share practice with other award-holders and organisations working towards the Award.

Looking to the next 3 years, we will be delivering activities under three overarching priorities, as agreed through the University’s Researcher Development Group:

  • Developing research talent: Recruitment, development, progression and next job 
  • Culture: Enhancing research culture through EDI, Engagement and Wellbeing
  • Using ‘Impact through Knowledge Exchange’ as a lens through which to view research staff experience and development.  

The activities undertaken as part of the action plan will be embedded in the wider work carried out to support and develop our research culture for all staff undertaking or supporting research and innovation across the institution. 

More information about the Award and the evaluation process can be found here. 

The University’s reporting documentation, including our action plans can be found within our Research Governance webpage. 

Please contact ris@port.ac.uk for further information.