Researcher development
At The University of Manchester we actively support our researchers in the development of their careers.
We offer our research staff a range of excellent training and development opportunities, delivered by dedicated researcher development teams based in each of the three Faculties, as well as by the University’s professional and support services:
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- The University of Manchester Library
- Careers Service
- Staff Learning and Development
- IT Services
The Counselling Service provides online and face-to-face support and training to cover a range of personal issues which may affect researchers’ work or study, as does the Disability Advisory Support Service and University of Manchester Assessment Centre.
As a member of research staff at The University of Manchester, you'll also benefit from:
- an induction programme organised by your home School or Faculty;
- the annual Research Staff Conference;
- access to mentoring schemes (such as the Manchester Gold Scheme) delivered by qualified mentors;
- an annual performance and development review;
- opportunities to get involved in representing your research community at Faculty/School and University levels (for example, at the Research Staff Strategy Group);
- the ability to apply for the flagship accredited Researchers into Management programme;
- the opportunity to attend an annual flagship careers event.
We view researcher development as a partnership and encourage all research staff to take responsibility for their own personal, professional and career development. As such, we encourage research staff to engage in some form of regular reflective practice (for example, making use of the Researcher Development Planner). We also encourage our research staff to make use of the Researcher Development Framework as a tool to map and guide career development, giving structure and progression to development, and tailoring training and development programmes as appropriate.
HR Excellence in Research
The University is proud to have been awarded the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research badge. The award was first won in 2011 based on our commitment to adopt in full the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
We have successfully retained the award through a number of reviews in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Eight-year review 2019
- Overview and Progress Report 2019
- Progress and Update on the Concordat Action Plan 2017-2019
- Concordat Action Plan 2019-21
Six-year review 2017
- Overview and progress report 2017
- Progress and Update on the Concordat Action Plan 2015-2017
- Concordat Action Plan 2017-2019
Four-year review 2015
- Overview and progress report 2015
- Progress and Update on the Concordat Action Plan 2013-2015
- Concordat Action Plan 2015-2017
Two-year review 2013
Original action plan
The University’s commitment to implementing the principles of the concordat is made explicit in our top-level research strategy document.