Policy library

In this section, we have compiled a comprehensive list of policies and procedures relating to your research activity, development and employment, in addition to documents relating to the University's strategy.

Conducting research

• Code of Research Conduct & Research Ethics (local users only) - a framework, which applies to all engaged in research at the University.
• Guide to the Research Excellent Framework (REF) - the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) delivered a REF briefing at the 2009 Vitae Research Staff Conference, which sets out the implications for research staff.
  
  
• Intellectual Property (IP) & Commercialisation (local users only) - read IP guidelines, download useful forms and learn about funding sources, spin-out companies and consultancy.
  
• Research at Nottingham - the University's Research website.
  
• Research Passport guidance (local users only) - the Research Passport initiative was developed by NHS Research and Development and UK Clinical Research Collaboration to streamline the engagement process for university researchers conducting research in the NHS.
  
• Researchers' Survival Guide - download UCU's publication for research staff.
  
• Responsibilities, advice and guidance (local users only) - a document for parties involved in externally-funded research.
  
• Support for Research (local users only) - discover how the Library can support the research process right through from finding research partners through to accessing materials and disseminating results.

Your development

(external links)

• Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science - is a scheme which recognises excellence in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) employment in Higher Education. Launched in June 2005, any university or research institution committed to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in SET in Higher Education and research can apply for membership. At Nottingham, several schools hold bronze and Silver SWAN awards, take a look at the list of award holders. View good practice case studies and factsheets.
  
• Careers in Research Online Survey (CROS) - anonymously gathers data about working conditions, career aspirations and career development opportunities for research staff. It is invaluable to institutions in helping to understand the experiences and needs of their research staff. Download a copy of The Careers Research Online Survey (CROS) 2011: analysis of aggregated UK results.
• The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. You can either download your copy of the Concordat, or read Vitae's briefing for research staff, which summarises the main points of the Concordat and relates these to life as a researcher.
• The European Charter for Researchers - addresses all researchers in the European Union at all stages of their career and sets out the rights and responsibilities of researchers and their managers, recognising the value of mobility as enhancing researcher development. There is a Youtube video about Euraxess Rights.

Your employment

(local users only)

• A-Z employment forms
• A Clear Guide to Recruiting - resources for new Principal Investigators (PIs) wishing to recruit staff.
• Activity/Performance Review - timetable, guidance and forms for managers and staff
• Dignity within the University Policy - the promotion of considerate behaviour and the prevention of harassment and bullying
• Discipline and Grievance procedures.
• Equality and Diversity overview and policies - according to the Careers in Research Survey (CROS) 2009, "88% of Nottingham's respondents agree that the University is committed to equality and diversity"
• FABS Safety Policy - information and useful contacts
• Family-friendly policies - including maternity leave, career break and flexible working
• Fixed-term Contract (FTC) Policy
• HR guidance documents - including guidance on holiday leave, chronic illness at work, and whistleblowing procedures
• Payroll - information and useful contacts
• Redundancy and Redeployment - if you are at risk of redundancy, you may also wish to read the guidance document.
• Research and Teaching promotion procedures - timetable and guidelines
• Unions
• Who’s your HR Adviser? - list of HR Advisers by school/department

University strategy

• Internationalisation Strategy - 'Knowledge without Borders' (local users only)
• Research and Knowledge Transfer Strategy (local users only)
• University Strategic Plan 2010-15 - this document highlights the University's mission and values and sets out the strategies that the University has developed to meet the challenges it will face over the next few years.