As a member of the University’s Contract Researcher community, you are entitled to have time to develop your research identity and broader leadership skills. Being a signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, the University has committed to ensuring that Contract Researchers are allocated a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata time, which should also include wider professional and personal skills, that may not be solely linked to your current project (e.g. networking, grant writing and presenting). This could include activities such as:
- Self-directed learning
- Conferences
- Taking part in a mentoring scheme (as mentor or mentee)
- Public engagement
- Knowledge exchange activities
- Attending a training course, workshop or webinar
In addition to the support and workshops that may be available to you locally from within your school or faculty, there are a number of training opportunities provided from the Department of Research and Innovation (DRI) that are aimed at supporting you in your current and future roles. Access the Research and Innovation Staff Development Programme training calendar where you can find out more about what workshops are currently being offered and book directly onto them.
Please discuss this 10 day entitlement with your line manager and build them into your work plans.