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The Concordat

Researcher Development Concordat at Leeds

The University of Leeds is committed to supporting the experience and career progression of our research staff, with opportunities for professional and personal development. As such, we are signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.   

The Concordat is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support for researchers and sets out the conditions required to create the very best culture for our researchers to thrive.

Concordat Principles:

Environment and Culture:

Healthy working environments attract and develop a more diverse workforce, impact positively on individual and institutional performance, and enhance staff engagement. 

Employment:

This principle recognises the importance of fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment, progression and promotion, effective performance management, and a good work-life balance. 

Career Development:

Researchers must be equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse global research environment and employment market. 


As we outline in our sign-up letter: 

"The University of Leeds has a sustained institutional commitment to provide an excellent working environment, which enables our research staff to fulfil their potential. We have an ambitious action plan, developed in partnership with our researchers, which aims to have a positive impact on both our research staff and the institution."

The full Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and our sign-up letter can be downloaded below: 

What does this mean for our researchers?

The Concordat is designed to support colleagues employed to conduct research, such as postdocs and early career researchers. However, efforts to improve the research environment and culture benefit the whole research community. 

The Concordat sets out the responsibilities for funders, institutions and your managers, so you know what you can expect from each group. It also provides guidelines for your personal and professional development. Details of the responsibilities for each group can be found on the information pages for researchers, managers and the institution.   

Guidance for our community:

Find out more about responsibilities and support for the different groups who help implement the Concordat:

For Researchers

Resources and guidance to support your development

For Managers

Information and tools to help you support researchers

For the University

Details on the institution’s responsibilities and its commitment to supporting researchers

For Professional Services

Guidance and support for colleagues in Professional Services

Governance, planning and reporting

Concordat Governance

How we report and evidence our progress

Concordat Implementation Plan

Find out about our action plan and progress

Concordat Annual Reports

Look back at our annual reports, dating back to 2010

Resources