The Researcher Development Concordat states that the responsibility of managers of research staff (postdocs and fellows) is to:  

  • Allocate a minimum of 10 days pro rata, per year, for their researchers to engage with professional development, supporting researchers to balance the delivery of their research and their own professional development.  
  • Identify opportunities and allow time (in addition to the 10 days professional development allowance), for their researchers to develop their research identity and broader leadership skills, and provide appropriate credit and recognition for their endeavours. 

The advice below relates specifically to why and how you may wish to support your research staff to fully engage in their 10 days of allocated development time. For more general advice on how you can support your team in their careers and skills development, see the Academic’s Success Guide.

How to help your research staff