The University of Worcester has retained its HR Excellence in Research Award for its work in supporting the recruitment, career development, and wellbeing of researchers.
The University was first awarded the European Commission Award in 2016 and in a recent review of progress was commended for good progress against a comprehensive range of actions and with “an ambitious but exciting action plan ahead”.
Lynn Nichol, Professor of Human Resource Development, and lead on this work, said: “The University has committed to upholding the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. Retaining the HR Excellence in Research Award is international recognition of our commitment to these principles and to supporting our researchers and demonstrates our ongoing progress in developing our research culture and environment. We are delighted with the feedback from the review team highlighting the progress made and identification of the ‘overall culture shift’ in support of the development of researchers at the University.”
The University aims to undertake research that has a transformative impact on individuals and on society and employs researchers across a range of areas including work in dementia studies, inclusive sport and physical activity and molecular plant and microbial biosciences
Thomas Morton, a research associate with the University’s Association for Dementia Studies, said: “This award is great to see as it represents ongoing work at the University to make sure research staff like me have support and opportunities to develop our knowledge and skills. As a staff researcher, I’ve been very much involved in work towards retaining the HR Excellence in Research Award and feel it’s given researchers more of a voice within the University.”
Over the next three years, the University has plans to further enhance its support for researchers and their managers including the introduction of a Research Impact Development Programme, enhanced research mentoring and further development opportunities for researchers at all stages of their careers.