Towards Excellence : Reflections on implementing the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers at University College Dublin

Transcription

1 Justin Synnott Research Programme & Support Manager University College Dublin Towards Excellence : Reflections on implementing the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers at University College Dublin European Network on Research Careers (ENRC) 31 October 2012 Brussels 1

2 Implementation of the European Commission s Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) Setting the scene Case study approach Process, problems, politics After the logo 2

3 Setting the scene 3

4 The European Research Area (ERA) The Charter and Code The ERA: a common market for researchers; necessary to overcome the fragmentation of research in Europe along national and institutional barriers. 2005: The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct (The Charter and Code) for their recruitment has been adopted by the European Commission It s a set of recommendations and is regarded as the main policy document on the management of Human Resources in research Charter and Code endorsed by over 1000 individual institutions!! 4 Setting the scene

5 HRS4R HR Excellence logo 2009: New tool to support the implementation of the Charter & Code: HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) The tool helps employers and funders to demonstrate that they are putting the principles of the Charter & Code into practice The HR Excellence logo is the tangible deliverable stemming from the process 5 steps 5 Setting the scene

6 5 step process to implement HRS4R 1. An internal gap analysis, involving all key players, to compare policies and practices against the Charter & Code principles 2. On the basis of the results of this analysis, the participating institution develops its own HR strategy for researchers and a concrete action plan to close gaps. This document is made public. 3. The analysis and action plan are then reviewed and acknowledged by the European Commission. The acknowledgement implies the right to use the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo 4. Progress in the implementation of the strategy and action plan is subjected to a self-assessment after 2 years 5. An external evaluation is carried out at least every 4 years. 6 Setting the scene

7 Why implement the HRS4R? Brings us up to speed on EU policy in this area We can use the logo to help promote UCD to prospective research talent as providers of a stimulating and favourable work environment The HR Excellence in Research designation also conveys to researchers our commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures It provides a competitive edge in terms of application for funding It is not a prerequisite for participating in the EU Framework Programmes, however 7 Setting the scene

8 Case study: University College Dublin 8

9 Setting the scene 9

10 Case study: University College Dublin 10

11 Case study: University College Dublin 11

12 Process used by UCD Research Established a Task Force (sub-group of the Standing Committee on Postdoctoral Career Development) of internal stakeholders sponsored by VP Research, including members of SCPCD, College Principals, HR, RSA, PIs, early-stage and experienced researchers, ethics, legal etc. Used Charter and Code as framework for discussion Identified gaps and convergence with UCD policies and documents and C & C principles. Provided evidence of UCD current policies. Wrote draft Gap Analysis and Action Plan Logo awarded in August Case study

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14 Action Plan: themes emerging Charter and Code Action plan themes Ethical and professional aspects Recruitment Training Working conditions and social security Research integrity and ethical considerations Recruitment of early-stage researchers Mobility and career development Mobility, attracting researchers and the portability of grants Enhanced skills and career development 14 Case study

15 Action Plan: problems encountered Action plan themes Research integrity and ethical considerations Recruitment of early-stage researchers Mobility and career development Seeking consensus UMT: no problem here. HR: no resources here. Is this really a problem? Mobility, attracting researchers and the portability of grants Enhanced skills and career development PIs and PDs agreeing what teaching should be available/ mandatory. Process, problems, politics 15

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19 Benefits of implementing the HRS4R strategy Practical reputation, profile, funding applications etc. Use HR Excellence in Research designation in all applications for funding and recruitment FP7 and other funding streams Host laboratory information COFUND example Recruitment: Postgraduate/ postdoctoral positions We have used this award as a PR tool 19 After the logo

20 UCD Research intranet info pack UCD has recently been awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" logo by the European Commission under the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) process. UCD is the only organisation in Ireland to have received the "HR Excellence in Research" logo. The "HR Excellence in Research" logo identifies UCD as a provider and supporter of a stimulating and favourable working environment for researchers. The European Commission s awarding of the "HR Excellence in Research" logo to UCD demonstrates the University s commitment to a stimulating and favourable work environment for researchers. The "HR Excellence in Research" logo conveys to researchers UCD s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures. The "HR Excellence in Research" demonstrates the European Commission s recognition of UCD s commitment to implement the principles of Charter & Code. In attaining the "HR Excellence in Research" logo and implementing the Charter & Code principles, UCD continues to contribute to the attractiveness of the national research systems and to the attractiveness of the European Research Area (ERA) more generally. 20 After the logo

21 UCD Research intranet info pack Over the last several years, UCD has developed a researcher career structure for researchers, with more open and transparent recruitment and progression. Last week, UCD was awarded the "HR Excellence in Research" designation by the European Commission under the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) process. UCD is the first organisation in Ireland to have received the "HR Excellence in Research" designation, identifying UCD as a provider of a high standard working environment for researchers. In particular, it recognises UCD s equitable recruitment and appraisal procedures and its commitment to implement the principles of EU Charter & Code. In attaining this recognition, UCD also contributes to the ability of the national research environment and the European Research Area (ERA) to attract researchers. 21 After the logo

22 Benefits of implementing the HRS4R strategy Less obvious the process insists on internal dialogue, encourages national and EU dialogue, raises profile of issues relevant to researcher careers, demands action on these issues Example: Services Team strategy reinforced our role in supporting researchers not only in programmatic actions but also in more environmental, policy orientated ways The actions proposed may be tackled in the future, but now they have been formalised and appear as a suite of activities with specific units/ people responsible for their implementation HRS4R is a disruption! And this is a good thing 22 After the logo

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24 Thank you! 24