Researcher Development & Concordat

UWS strives to create a world class research environment in which staff and students can be supported, can collaborate with colleagues and can achieve their full potential.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

  • Environment and culture: Excellent research requires a supportive and inclusive research culture
  • Employment Researchers are recruited, employed and managed under conditions that recognise and value their contribution
  • Professional and career development Professional and career development are integral to enabling researchers to develop their full potential

How is UWS implementing the Concordat?

In order to support and embed the Concordat in UWS, we have established a steering group which is led by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Engagement), Professor Milan Radosavljevic.

HR Excellence in Research

University of the West of Scotland received the award in June 2016. Re-accreditation of the award takes place in a two yearly cycle of internal and external reviews. Our original two year action plan based around the seven principles of the original ‘Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers’ was put in place in 2016 and followed up with our action plan for 2018-2020. In July 2020, UWS completed a four year progress review and created a new action plan for 2020-2022. We have undertaken our internal review (2022) in line with HR Excellence timelines and will join the new 3-year external review cycle. Please find all our HR Excellence documents below. If you have any queries or suggestions on how UWS can do more to support the career development of researchers we will be delighted to hear from you. Email researchservices@uws.ac.uk

Vitae

Vitae is an international programme supporting researcher development.  It provides resources and guidance aimed specifically at research staff and research students and their managers. UWS has a Vitae membership subscription and staff and doctoral students at UWS are able to access the Vitae resources to support their career development. To gain access to these resources, you will need to register/log in at the Vitae website.

Athena Swan Bronze Award Icon | Women In Science | University of the West of Scotland

Athena SWAN

UWS is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter which aims to advance the representation of women in science, engineering and technology and recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).

HR Excellence Award for Research Icon | UWS | University of the West of Scotland

HR Excellence Award for Research

UWS was also delighted receive the ‘HR Excellence in Research Award’ from the European Commission in 2016 for its work in supporting its research staff in their career development.

The award demonstrates our commitment to improving the working conditions and career development for research staff, to in turn improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. This award acknowledges UWS’s commitment to achieving the principles of the UK Concordat - to support the career development of researchers and the European Charter for Researchers.

UWS Research & Enterprise Guide

This guide provides a snapshot of our current research activities and gives an indication of our direction of travel, highlighting the strengths and capabilities which will shape the future of research at UWS.

Download our Research and Enterprise Guide (21MB - pdf)
Last updated: 10/05/2023