Understanding the Updated REF 2029 Guidance - What It Means for LBU

Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU)

One of the most notable changes in the updated REF 2029 guidance is the increased focus on research outputs. The Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) element will now comprise 55% of the overall REF score, an increase from the previous 50%. This adjustment reinforces the importance of producing world-leading research within the sector.

Several measures have been introduced to provide clarity and reduce the burden on researchers:

• Research outputs remain decoupled from individuals, giving institutions greater flexibility to submit outputs strategically.
• Long-form outputs, such as monographs, will have five-year portability, ensuring that these outputs remain attached to the author even if they move to another institution.
• The recommended maximum of five outputs per researcher has been reinstated.
• The minimum requirement of one output per researcher has been removed, reducing individual pressure.
• Disciplinary statements have been eliminated, simplifying the submission process.

Together, these changes reaffirm the emphasis on research excellence while allowing universities more discretion in selecting outputs for submission.

Engagement and Impact (E&I)

The Engagement and Impact (E&I) element continues to play a central role in the REF process, accounting for 25% of the overall assessment. The E&I element remains largely consistent with REF 2021 and continues to highlight how research benefits society, the economy, policy, and culture.

Key updates include:

• Fewer required impact case studies, with the smallest units now needing only one.
• The two-star threshold for underpinning research has been removed, widening the range of research that can demonstrate impact.
• Impact case studies are encouraged to include discussion of engagement strategies and responsible research practices.
• As with CKU, disciplinary statements have been removed to streamline submissions.

These changes are designed to broaden the range of research that can underpin impactful case studies and demonstrate real-world benefits.

Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)

REF 2029 introduces a revised component known as Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE). This replaces the previously proposed People, Culture and Environment element, reflecting feedback from across the higher education sector.

SPRE focuses on:

• Institutional research strategy
• Development and support of research staff
• Inclusive and positive research cultures
• Infrastructure and systems that enable high-quality research

The weighting for this element has been reduced from 25% to 20%, responding to sector concerns about complexity and burden. Submissions will include both strategic and disciplinary perspectives, with assessment divided between institutional-level statements (60%) and unit-level statements (40%). This approach is intended to capture both the university’s overarching research vision and the strengths of its individual research communities.

What Happens Next?

Although the main changes to the guidance are now established, detailed assessment criteria are yet to be published. REF panels will spend the coming months developing the final guidance, which will set out exactly how submissions will be assessed.

This will include:

• Final assessment criteria
• Panel-specific guidance
• Detailed expectations for submissions

These documents are expected to be released in Autumn 2026.

Preparing for REF 2029 at Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University has already made considerable progress in preparing for REF 2029. A significant milestone has been the creation of our new REF 2029 Institutional Code of Practice (CoP), which outlines the principles for managing REF processes at the University. The CoP was reviewed and approved by University committees in January 2026 and submitted to the REF team in February 2026. Feedback is anticipated by April 2026.

Additionally, a structured programme of activities is underway from February to September 2026 to support colleagues throughout the institution in their REF preparations.

Training, Systems and Data

Several initiatives are in progress to strengthen the University’s REF preparations:

• Training sessions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and addressing bias in research assessment are being delivered, for staff in the University involved in decision making about REF submission, between February and April 2026. These sessions aim to ensure that REF processes are fair, transparent, and aligned with the University’s commitment to an inclusive research culture.
• Development of new Tableau dashboards to help research leaders better understand the University’s research profile. These dashboards will track postgraduate research completions, research impact activity, staff research volume, and research income, enabling more informed planning across research areas.
• Introduction of new tools and ongoing training to support REF preparation, including training on the Symplectic impact module, processes for verifying research outputs and eligibility, and improved internal communications regarding REF developments.

Enhancements in Symplectic Elements, the University’s research management system, are also underway. Upcoming updates will introduce bulk review assignment tools, manager-led output nominations, improved reporting dashboards, better tracking of outputs from former staff, and enhanced audit and transparency features. Future upgrades will add external review capture, commenting functionality, and support for confidential outputs, making it easier to manage and analyse REF-related information institution-wide.

Equality Impact Assessment

Work is ongoing to implement actions identified in the REF 2029 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) action plan, that came out of the EIAs carried out on the University’s REF 2029 CoP in summer 2025.  Implementing the actions will ensure that the University’s submission process remains inclusive and equitable.

Looking Ahead

Although the final assessment criteria will not be confirmed until Autumn 2026, the University is already putting in place the structures, systems, and support necessary for a robust and effective REF submission. Over the coming months, ongoing updates, further training opportunities, and additional guidance will continue to be provided as preparations progress.