The British Academy announces support for Researcher Development Concordat

The British Academy has today announced its support for Vitae’s ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’, also known as ‘the Researcher Development Concordat’.

Launched today at the Universities UK (UUK) Annual Members' Conference, the Researcher Development Concordat is an agreement by funders and employers of research staff to work to improve the employment of, and support for, researchers in UK higher education.

The Concordat builds on progress made as a result of its predecessors since 1996. It will support key improvements in the research environment and opportunities for professional development for researchers across the higher education sector, clearly setting out the respective responsibilities of researchers, managers of researchers, institutions and funders.

In an open letter (below) addressed to Chair of the Concordat Strategy Group (CSG) and new President of UUK Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, the Chief Executive and Secretary of the British Academy, Robin Jackson, confirms the British Academy’s support for the Concordat and outlines the role the Academy will play in the development of researchers in the humanities and social sciences. 

The review, consultation and drafting process which has led to the revised Concordat received over 1000 contributions from researchers, research funders and research organisations from across the sector.