We're hiring!! Well, not really, we're all volunteers, but we do now have a couple of vacant spots open on the RSA Executive Committee. If you're employed primarily as a research member of staff at Lancaster University and: Passionately care about research staff well-being and development, Have an interest in shaping institutional policy, particularly around … Continue reading RSA vacancy
Author: Nathan Case
RSA Statement on Teaching by Researchers
The issue of research staff undertaking teaching activities has become a hot-topic recently, with the news that one department at Lancaster is now requiring its research staff to undertake teaching activities. Below is a statement by the RSA on teaching by researchers in general. The RSA's view on this: Teaching activities may be beneficial to … Continue reading RSA Statement on Teaching by Researchers
Researcher Invite: Researcher Concordat at Lancaster
Dear colleagues, As researchers or managers of researchers, you will be aware that the University is a signatory of the New Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. (Researcher Development Concordat) The Concordat sets out three clear Principles: environment and culture employment professional and career development These themes are highlighted through various … Continue reading Researcher Invite: Researcher Concordat at Lancaster
Furlough for UKRI researchers – an update
A few emails have gone around the University today saying that "University is now asking to furlough all PDRA’s that are eligible" including UKRI-funded researchers. To clarify on this: By eligible the University means that you meet all of the following criteria: You cannot carry out your work - either for practical reasons (e.g. you … Continue reading Furlough for UKRI researchers – an update
Have your say! UKRI survey on COVID-19 impact.
Dear Colleague Impact of Covid-19 on researchers and the UK research base You are invited to participate in an online survey to share your experiences of how the Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ since 23 March is impacting on your research, and the likely impact if social distancing in the workplace is required in the months ahead. The … Continue reading Have your say! UKRI survey on COVID-19 impact.
An update on Fixed-term contract policy implementation
After getting a couple of questions around the implementation of the University's new fixed-term contract policy, the RSA got in touch with HR to find out how it was progressing. The RSA were not invited to directly input in the development of this policy nor are we directly involved with its implementation. Like you, we'd … Continue reading An update on Fixed-term contract policy implementation
Updates to Redeployment Process
From an email to line managers at Lancaster sent on 18th May 2020: The University redeployment policy is in place to support staff to find alternative employment at the University when they are at risk of redundancy. This is in line with our normal process in the ending of fixed term and indefinite contracts. However, … Continue reading Updates to Redeployment Process
COVID-19 update
Last week, the RSA met with Professor Louise Heathwaite (Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Enterprise), Paul Boustead (Director HR) and Yvonne Fox (Associate Director Research Enterprise Services) about the current situation for researchers. We spoke about three main topics that are particularly affecting researchers: furlough, redeployment and bridging funding. Whilst the situation continues to … Continue reading COVID-19 update
Furlough for Researchers
The information below is taken from the University's Furlough FAQ page and the Research Services Impact of Covid-19 FAQs. It is worth re-checking these FAQs just in case the information has been updated. Which staff are likely to be eligible [for furlough]? Current guidance indicated (sic) the scheme applies to staff who are not deemed … Continue reading Furlough for Researchers
Take part in the Academic Research Survey (CEDARS)
We want know more about your experiences of the current research environment that you work in, by inviting you to complete the Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research Survey (CEDARS). Lancaster is running CEDARS as part of our actions in implementing the Principles of the revised Researcher Development Concordat and the survey will provide … Continue reading Take part in the Academic Research Survey (CEDARS)