Equality and Diversity
The UK higher education funding bodies are committed to supporting and
promoting equality and diversity in research careers, and strongly encourage
institutions to submit the work of all their excellent researchers.
Compliance with equality legislation is an obligation for HEIs, and the four UK
higher education funding bodies have a statutory obligation as public bodies to
advance equality. (REF 2014: Assessment Framework and Guidance on
Submissions (Ref REF 02.2011), p. 7, para. 39)
HEIs are responsible for selecting eligible staff whose outputs are to be
included in their REF submissions. Up to four outputs must be listed
against each individual. However, this can be reduced without penalty
where an individual's circumstances have constrained their ability to work
productively throughout the REF assessment period. A wide range of
circumstances will be taken into account and HEFCE have provided as much clarity
as possible about the permitted reductions. Individual staff circumstances
will be treated consistently across the exercise. HEFCE have developed
robust procedures and confidentiality arrangements to enable staff to disclose
sensitive information.
Each HEI is required to develop, document and apply a Code of Practice to
ensure fair and transparent processes for the selection of staff for inclusion
in their Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions. The purpose of the
Code of Practice is ‘to aid institutions in including all their eligible staff
in submissions who are conducting excellent research, as well as promoting
equality, complying with legislation and avoiding discrimination’ (REF 2014:
Assessment Framework and Guidance on Submissions (Ref REF 02.2011), July
2011, p. 34, para. 187). On making a submission the head of institution
will be required to confirm adherence to this code.