Researcher Development Framework - Vitae

1 Researcher DevelopmentFrameworkResearcher DevelopmentFrameworkThe Framework is designed for: researchers to evaluate and plan their professional Development managers and supervisors of researchers in their role supportingthe Development of researchers trainers, developers, human resources specialists and careersadvisors in the planning and provision of support for researchers will also be of interest to employers to understand the portfolio ofskills unique to researchers and their potential as highly-valuedemployees, individuals interested in becoming researchers.

2 Andresearchers looking to move into higher education from other , funders of researchers and other stakeholders will findthe associated Researcher Development Statement (RDS)1 a usefulstrategic overview of the RDF. The RDF supports the implementation of the Concordat to Supportthe career Development of Researchers2, the QAA Code of practicefor research degree programmes3and the Roberts recommendations for postgraduate researchers and research RDF is not intended to be linked to performance management orreplace locally agreed progression criteria or job 3 4 +/ Overview The Researcher Development Framework (RDF)

3 Is a majornew approach to Researcher Development , to enhance ourcapacity to build the UK workforce, develop world-classresearchers and build our research base. The RDF is a professional Development Framework forplanning, promoting and supporting the personal,professional and career Development of researchers inhigher education. It articulates the knowledge, behavioursand attributes of successful researchers and encouragesthem to realise their DevelopmentFrameworkVitae , 2010 Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited.

4 To ensure that this is the latest version of this document please go to For conditions of use please refer to ISBN: 978-1-906774-18-9 Version 2 April 2011 Researcher DevelopmentFramework2 StructureThe RDF has been created from empirical data,collected through interviewing researchers,to identify the characteristics of excellentresearchers expressed in the RDF as descriptors . The descriptors arestructured in four domains and twelvesub-domains, encompassing theknowledge, intellectual abilities,techniques and professional standardsto do research, as well as the personalqualities, knowledge and skills to workwith others and ensure the widerimpact of research.

5 Each of thesixty-three descriptors containsbetween three to five phases,representing distinct stages ofdevelopment or levels of performancewithin that RDF has been incorporated into adownloadable Professional DevelopmentPlanner to enable researchers to identify theareas in the Framework they want to develop furtherand to create an action plan. Income and funding generationFinancial managementInfrastructure and resourcesCareer managementContinuing professional developmentResponsiveness to opportunitiesNetworkingReputation and esteemAnalysingSynthesisingCritical thinkingEvaluatingProblem solvingInquiring mindIntellectual insightInnovationArgument constructionIntellectual riskCommunication methodsCommunication mediaPublicationTeachingPublic engagementEnterprisePolicySociety and cultureGlobal

6 CitizenshipEnthusiasmPerseveranceIntegri tySelf-confidenceSelf-reflectionResponsi bilityHealth and safetyEthics, principles and sustainabilityLegal requirementsIPR and copyrightRespect and confidentialityAttribution and co-authorshipAppropriate practicePreparation and prioritisationCommitment to researchTime managementResponsiveness to changeWork-life balanceResearch strategyProject planning and deliveryRisk managementCollegialityTeam workingPeople managementSupervisionMentoringInfluence and leadershipCollaborationEquality and diversitySubject knowledgeResearch methods: theoretical knowledgeResearch methods.

7 Practical applicationInformation seekingInformation literacy and managementLanguagesAcademic literacy and numeracyEngagement, influence and impactThe knowledge and skills to work with others and ensure the wider impact of and intellectual abilitiesThe knowledge, intellectual abilities and techniques to do governance and organisationThe knowledge of the standards, requirements and professionalism to do effectivenessThe personal qualities and approach to be an effective DDomain ADomain CDomain BKnowledge base (A1)Finance, funding and resources(C3) Creativity(A3)Professional conduct(C1)Cognitive abilities(A2)Research management(C2)Professional and career Development (B3)Working with others(D1)Self-management(B2)Communicati on and dissemination(D2)Personal qualities(B1)Engagement and impact(D3) Vitae , 2010 CareersResearchandAdvisoryCentre(CRAC)

8 DevelopmentFrameworkVitae , 2010 Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited. To ensure that this is the latest version of this document please go to For conditions of use please refer to ISBN: 978-1-906774-18-9 Version 2 April 20113 Researcher DevelopmentFrameworkStimulates new knowledge; may make outstanding breakthroughs. Considersmultiple perspectives. Has deep and holistic understanding of strategic direction and intellectualdevelopments of discipline/research area and its inter-relatedness with otherdisciplines/research areas.

9 Uses this knowledge to enrich owndiscipline/research to the integrity and future vibrancy of the discipline/research international detailed and thorough knowledge/understanding of own and relatedsubject areas and becomes familiar with associated areas in otherdisciplines/research areas. Demonstrates link between own research and real world knowledge in international , at least, core knowledge andbasic understanding of keyconcepts, issues and history of recent advances withinown research area and in relatedareas.

10 (A3)*Is working towards making anoriginal contribution to developing a broader awarenessof international and non-academicaspects of knowledge A: Knowledge and intellectual abilitiesThis domain contains the knowledge and intellectual abilities needed to be able to carry out excellent and descriptorsPhase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Knowledge baseRecognises the value of alternative research paradigms and is able to work in,and support others working in, an inter-disciplinary the value of a range ofstandards and methods/techniquesfor information/data collection andanalysis.