Launch of the IOE Research Staff Association

10 October 2012

Overview

• Background - How did we get here?

• What is an RSA? - Dr Christina Fuentes

• IOE’s RSA – Presentation of Terms of Reference

• Discussion of IOE’s policies and practice

• Drinks and pizza

BackgroundHow did we get here?

Sarah Tang

CROS 2011 - IOE Results

In 2011, 30 responses (23%) - compares with 53 (35%) in 2009

National participation improved to 25% in 2011

Key themes

Respondents felt disadvantaged in opportunities for promotion and progression compared to other staff and felt their contribution to the IOE was not sufficiently valued.

The majority of respondents did not feel that they were integrated into the IOE’s research community and comments highlighted feelings of isolation and the need for greater intra-research staff communication.

Other themes

Appraisal system: used, but most did not think it useful in changing working practices

CPD lower than sector average40% unhappy with work-life balance

Institute Response

RCAC “it was agreed that the results were disappointing. It was agreed that there is a lack of cross-IOE information which, together with short-term contracts, left researchers feeling insecure… perhaps a Research Staff Association would help”

Initial RF meeting, May 2012

• Clarification needed around IOE policies relating to researchers• Information regarding QR entitlement, project budgets and consistent

application across different departments• Staff development• Clear career paths for research staff• The need for a social community/network/peer support• Ability to access training for teaching (particularly as needed for

promotion)• Time for writing grant proposals and being permitted to apply for grants

(even if it means a successful bid would move a researcher off their former project)

• Permanent contracts• Issues around representation

Dr Christina Fuentes

• Co-Chair UK Research Staff Association• Postdoctoral research associate at the Institute of

Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London

UKRSA and Local RSAs

Dr. Christina Fuentes, University College LondonUKRSA Co-ChairUKRSA London Regional Representative

About UKRSA

• Formed in 2010 to provide a national voice for research staff – Vision: A fulfilling career for every researcher– Mission: Empower research staff to take control of

their careers and contribute to policy

• Nurture Communities• Influence Policy• Gather Data

ICoRSA (2012)

National & international associations (UKRSA, US National Postdoctoral Association, Irish Research Staff

Association)

UKRSA

(2010)

Local RSAs

(over 50)

Vitae

Regional RSAs

(act as feedback and support between local RSAs & researchers & UKRSA)

Importance of localResearch Staff Associations

• Provide practical support to research staff• Create networking and collaborative opportunities• Influence institute policy• Develop core competencies of committee members

Helpful UKRSA publicationsIntroduction Setting up Recruiting

www.ukrsa.org.uk projects

RSA models

• Department/Faculty– Most common, usually intimately involved in organising

activities for constituents• Institution

– More able to provide advisory roles to institution groups

Crucial to all is having a group of devoted committee members

Helpful UKRSA publicationsIntroduction Setting up Recruiting

www.ukrsa.org.uk projects

Benefits of RSA involvement

• Will getting involved improve the quality of my research?

• Will getting involved help me develop my career?• Will getting involved give me insight into how to

improve my research practices?• Will getting involved help me engage and influence

others?

Challenges of RSAs

• Getting research staff involved as committee members

• Getting research staff involved as constituents• Getting support from institute, senior staff, PIs• Time management• Financial support• Sustainability

London Research Staff Network on Facebookchristina.t.fuentes@gmail.com

An RSA at IOE?

Georgina Brewis and Jo Heslop

IOE RSA Terms of Reference

“The Research Staff Association (RSA) exists to help shape and promote the welfare and career development of researchers at the Institute of Education (IOE). The RSA is open to all those who consider themselves researchers.”

ToR drafted by RSA planning group, July 2012 Endorsed by the IOE Research Careers Advisory

Committee, 2 October 2012

1. Influence IOE policy and practice so that research staff are treated equally with other academic staff and given sufficient opportunities for personal and professional development;

• Initial review of policies (IOE and external e.g. Concordat)• Making links with key management staff e.g. Director of

Research, Head of Research Services, Head of HR.

Objectives

2.Improve the quality of information regarding IOE policies concerning research staff and help ensure that these are consistently applied across the institution;

• RSA website – link to key documents/policies• Information on RSA in induction programme• Starting to highlight specific issues e.g.

• Access to QR time, writing bids, other staff development activities• Considerations when drawing up proposals (days on direct project tasks

vs other academic/institute/ development activities)• Moving forward: how to get consistency in good practice – information, training for managers/PIs/academics, how can institution support it e.g. promotion criteria

3. Work towards compliance with relevant and current good practice in the employment of research staff in higher education;• Policy analysis (e.g. EC Excellence kitemark)• Collecting information from and keeping up to date with

information from Vitae, UK RSA, Concordat

4. Improve representation of research staff on IOE-wide committees and boards;

• RSA represented on Research Careers Advisory Committee and hopefully Senate. Working towards representation on other committees. Committee members represent RSA not themselves

• RCAC – RSA invited to review its terms of reference• RCAC- invited to review good practice guide for

researchers

5. Provide a peer support network;

• Regular events for research staff, e.g. Issues pertinent to research staff/career development (e.g. Session on REF directed towards junior research staff)

• Social events

6. Establish the RSA on a sustainable footing by securing institutional recognition and support and taking steps to represent the views of its full constituency through being inclusive, maximising membership and ensuring good communication channels.• Getting research staff list• Website• Funding• Institutional support• Linking to external groups e.g. UK RSA

IOE webpage

http://www.ioe.ac.uk/research/75588.html

RSA Website

http://ioersa.wordpress.com

How to get involved

• Join the RSA Planning Group and come to the next meeting 23 October 2012 11am, TCRU

• Sign up to be kept informed/involved

• Attend RSA events – ‘The REF for Research Staff’ training session – by Jo Lakey and Pauline Muya28 November, 12.30-2pm

• Immediate tasks: Best practice guide, RCAC TOR, web site, information for HR

Activity: Policy and Practice at IOEHanan Hauari and Sarah Tang