Introducing the Researcher Development Framework

							Introducing the Researcher Development Framework

For several years research candidates have identified their research skills training
needs through the Skills Diagnostic that is based on the Joint Statement by the
Research Councils on the skills training requirements for research students (see Part
1, Appendix 1). The Skills Diagnostic - is a tool for students to assess themselves
against the Research Council’s skills template, which is a range of competencies and
techniques that it is recommended doctoral candidates should have acquired by the
end of their programme of study. From the Skills Diagnostic, the student and his/her
supervisor should identify any additional skills they feel that he/she needs to develop
and subsequently find relevant skills development or training to attend in order to
address this. It should be recorded in the student’s Personal Development Plan. This
forms part of the Research Candidate’s Annual Monitoring.

Research candidates may still use the Skills Diagnostic to identify their skills training
needs in 2011-12, but may wish to use the new Researcher Development
Framework that has been developed by Vitae. A shorter explanation of the
Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is provided within the Researcher
Development Statement (see http://www.vitae.ac.uk/rds). This also shows how the
skills within the RDF map onto the skills within the Joint Statement by the Research
Councils (the Skills Diagnostic).

The Researcher Development Framework includes a wider range of skills than those
within the Skills Diagnostic. For example, there is a sector devoted to engagement,
influence and impact – the knowledge and skills to work with others and ensure the
wider impact of research. It is a tool, similar to the Skills Diagnostic, that encourages
researchers to identify their strengths and prioritise their professional development.
Unlike the Skills Diagnostic, the Researcher Development Framework is designed to
be used by researchers at all stages in their career, from early career researcher to
eminent professor. Further information on the Researcher Development Framework
will become available from RDCS during 2011-12.                    The Vitae website;
http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/430721/Using-the-Researcher-Development-
Framework-as-a-researcher.html provides information for researchers on using the
Framework.

As from 2012-13, research candidates will be required to use the Researcher
Development Framework. Documents and a planner will be provided by RDCS to
make this a simple transition. The full Framework contains a total of 63 skills
statements. This is a large number. The Framework has, however, at its core, 4
sectors, each with 3 main skill sets. We advise that, in undertaking your research
skills needs analysis, you focus on sections of the Framework, or limit your analysis
to between 10 and 20 of the skills given. Clearly, you should change the focus of
your analysis each year so that you cover the entire set of skills during your period of
study as a research candidate.