Supporting Our researchers' Career Development
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 Researcher Development Concordat Steering Group, led by Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Robert Macintosh. Members of the steering group also contribute to broader institutional initiatives, including equality, diversity and inclusion planning, Athena Swan accreditation, and the University’s Research and Innovation Enabling Plan.
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. UWS staff members can gain access to these resources, by registering/logging in at the Vitae website.
HR Excellence in Research
University of the West of Scotland first received the HR Excellence in Research award in June 2016, and became a signatory to the revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers in 2020. 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.
Our Researcher Development Activities
The University’s researcher development action plan is based around the principles of the Concordat and is reviewed, internally and externally, on a four-yearly basis for re-accreditation.
The University’s reviews, updated action plans and future action plans can be found below.
2025 - Nine-year review
2024 – Annual report
2022 – Six-year review
2020 – Four-year review
Athena Swan
UWS is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which supports the progression of gender equality within higher education and research institutions across the world. Established in 2005, the Charter initially focused on advancing the careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) employment and now addresses gender equality in a wider context.
University of the West of Scotland currently holds the bronze Athena Swan award.
Athena SWAN
Last updated: 04/08/2025