Leeds Beckett’s commitment to researchers recognised through HR Excellence in Research award

The HR Excellence in Research Award is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers – of which Leeds Beckett University is a signatory. By retaining the award, Leeds Beckett demonstrates its long-term commitment to supporting the career development of researchers, and to fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers 2019 sets out the conditions that are required to create the best culture for researchers to thrive.

The HR Excellence in Research award acknowledges that institutions have completed an internal analysis to compare their practices against the principles of the Concordat, developed a robust action plan for implementing their strategy, and incorporated the views of researchers across career stages within the strategy.

Professor Silke Machold, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Leeds Beckett, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for LBU to have retained our HR Excellence in Research award. This reflects our commitment to, and progress with developing, a strong, inclusive and supportive culture for our researchers at all stages of their careers to thrive and achieve their career aspirations.

"Our university strategic plan is centred on developing globally recognised research expertise, targeting areas where we excel and have a proven track record, as well as building interdisciplinary teams that tackle challenges such as obesity and zero carbon buildings. To achieve this, we are focused on nurturing our academic colleagues as both educators and knowledge creators, fostering a culture of diversity, collaboration, and impact.

"Since our 2022 HR Excellence in Research report, we have made significant progress improving our research infrastructure, supporting areas including sport and exercise science, creative and cultural studies, business support, and healthcare. These facilities promote public engagement through collaborative projects and events, and open research practices."

LBU successfully achieved the University Mental Health Charter Award in Spring 2023, the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in February 2023, and retained the Athena Swan Award in 2022 for its commitment to gender equality.

In 2023, Leeds Beckett ran the Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers Survey (CEDARS), which demonstrated a strong awareness and perception of the university's commitment to research integrity, with a significant majority of colleagues acknowledging LBU's efforts in promoting research integrity and conduct.

LBU's first week-long Festival of Research and Knowledge Exchange was held in November 2023, attracting more than 650 registrations, and offering a diverse programme of sessions providing insights and practical advice for research colleagues. It featured unique events and workshops, fostering a space for the university community to engage and share best practice, celebrate research achievements, and collaborate.

A report on Leeds Beckett University's accomplishments from 2022-2024, as well as the action plan for the period until 2027, can be accessed and downloaded from the HR Excellence in Research page.

Benefits of holding the HR Excellence in Research Award include: adding value to funding applications and attracting future research funding, both European and international; contributing to strategic goals - including improving the quality and impact of research; and supporting the research culture of the university through supporting researchers' needs and development.

The UK HR Excellence in Research approach includes ongoing national evaluation and benchmarking and is managed by Vitae. Vitae is the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers, experienced in working with institutions as they strive for research excellence, innovation and impact.

Vitae is a non-profit programme managed by CRAC: the Career Development Organisation with over 50 years' experience in enhancing the skills and careers of researchers. There are currently 83 Vitae UK member institutions with the Award – and 720 in total across Europe.