REF - Research Excellence Framework

Code of Practice (COP) Working Group

COP Working Group was established in October 2011 to undertake on behalf of RAG the key role of drafting the required Code of Practice on the Development of Submissions and Selection of Staff for REF 2014, and to consider and act upon equality and diversity issues in relation to REF.

Terms of Reference

The Code of Practice Working Group will:

• Develop a Code of Practice on Selecting Staff for inclusion in REF 2014 submissions. This will:
  • Follow the guidance provided by HEFCE/REF to assist HEIs in the development of their Code of Practice, including materials developed by the Equality Challenge Unit.
  • Adhere to relevant legislation, notably the Equality Act (2010) but including all pertinent Acts and other regulations ensuring equality of opportunity regardless of disability, gender, religion, ethnicity, maternity or paternity, part-time or fixed-term working, etc.
  • Follow principles of transparency, consistency, accountability and inclusivity in providing clear details of the processes and structures to be used by the University, encompassing role definitions, committee membership and formation, individual and committee responsibilities and terms of reference; selection criteria, communications methods, appeals processes, timescales and record keeping, etc.
  • Include a programme of communication activity to disseminate the Code of Practice and explain the processes related to the selection of staff for submission embodied therein.
  • Be submitted to the REF team not later than the deadline of 31 July 2012
  • Ensure that the REF Code of Practice is developed and implemented within the context of UEL's existing policies and commitments on equality, diversity and human rights i.e. the Code of Practice will be incorporated within the institution's equality and human rights framework for action and updated or amended as required in line with the broader aims and objectives of that framework
• Ensure that the Code of Practice takes account of and complements institutional research strategy and activity
• Monitor the operation of the Code of Practice through systematic and thorough equality impact assessments (EIAs) at an institutional level, and at UoA level as deemed necessary. Milestones where an EIA may be of particular value include but are not limited to:
  • After completion of the first draft Mock Submission (31 March 2012).
  • In response to appeals against decisions to submit or exclude staff.
  • During preparations for the final version Submission.
• Revise and improve the Code of Practice as required based on lessons learned during early stage monitoring.
• Communicate and embed the Code of Practice in REF activities across the institution including, inter alia:
  • Recommending, implementing and mandating relevant training on equality and diversity tailored to the requirements of the REF
  • Overseeing publication of the Code of Practice including its communication to members of staff on periods of extended leave, secondment, etc
  • Providing briefing materials on the Code of Practice for external assessors
• Act as the institutional equivalent of the REF Equality and Diversity Advisory Panel. This includes:
• Receiving and considering individual claims for reductions in the number of outputs to be submitted to ensure consistency of approach and treatment across the institution
• Providing advice and guidance on any equality and diversity issues arising where related to the preparation of REF submissions
• Undertake and publish, after the submission deadline on 29 November 2013, an EIA based on the final version Submission, as submitted to REF for assessment.
• To meet as required to discharge its responsibilities under this Code of Practice until at least the end of the 2013 calendar year.

Membership

• Professor John Joughin (Chair, REF Advisory Group; Deputy Vice Chancellor)
• Dr. Tim Brooks (Officer, REF Advisory Group; UEL REF Project Manager)
• Dr. Wendy Drechsler (Member, REF Advisory Group; HSB)
• Professor Maggie Humm (Member, REF Advisory Group; ADI)
• Professor Mark McDermott (Member, REF Advisory Group; Psychology)
• Alison McGrand (Co-opted; HR Services)
• Professor Lord Kamlesh Patel of Bradford OBE (Co-opted; Senior Adviser to the Vice Chancellor)
• Dr. Alan White (Member, REF Advisory Group; Director of the Graduate School

Notes of COP meetings can be found in the Internal Activities pages (password protected)

 

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