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Launch of the IOE R esearch Staff Association 10 October 2012

Launch of the IOE R esearch 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. Background How did we get here?.

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Launch of the IOE R esearch Staff Association 10 October 2012

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  1. Launch of the IOE Research Staff Association10 October 2012

  2. 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

  3. BackgroundHow did we get here? Sarah Tang

  4. CROS 2011 - IOE Results In 2011, 30 responses (23%) - compares with 53 (35%) in 2009 National participation improved to 25% in 2011

  5. 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.

  6. Other themes Appraisal system: used, but most did not think it useful in changing working practices CPD lower than sector average 40% unhappy with work-life balance

  7. 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”

  8. 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

  9. Dr Christina Fuentes • Co-Chair UK Research Staff Association • Postdoctoral research associate at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London

  10. UKRSA and Local RSAs Dr. Christina Fuentes, University College London UKRSA Co-Chair UKRSA London Regional Representative

  11. 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

  12. ICoRSA(2012) National & international associations (UKRSA, US National Postdoctoral Association, Irish Research Staff Association) UKRSA (2010) Vitae Regional RSAs (act as feedback and support between local RSAs & researchers & UKRSA) Local RSAs (over 50)

  13. 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

  14. Helpful UKRSA publications Recruiting Introduction Setting up www.ukrsa.org.uk  projects

  15. 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

  16. Helpful UKRSA publications Recruiting Introduction Setting up www.ukrsa.org.uk  projects

  17. 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?

  18. 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

  19. London Research Staff Network on Facebook christina.t.fuentes@gmail.com

  20. An RSA at IOE? Georgina Brewis and Jo Heslop

  21. IOE RSATerms 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

  22. Objectives 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.

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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

  26. 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 5. Provide a peer support network;

  27. 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

  28. IOE webpage http://www.ioe.ac.uk/research/75588.html

  29. RSA Website • http://ioersa.wordpress.com

  30. 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 Muya • 28 November, 12.30-2pm • Immediate tasks: Best practice guide, RCAC TOR, web site, information for HR

  31. Activity: Policy and Practice at IOE Hanan Hauari and Sarah Tang

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