A Professional Development Framework for Research Managers and Administrators
Project Background and Contributors
The ARMA Professional Development Framework (PDF) has been developed as the result of a 12-month project. Well over 100 research managers and administrators (RMAs) participated in Focus Groups to generate information about the activities undertaken and knowledge and skills required by RMAs working in a range of different roles, which was then used to inform the content and structure of the PDF. Many more RMAs gave generously of their time to review and comment on the draft PDF as it developed.
The PDF has benefited from input from PraxisUnico, AURIL, AUA, the Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement, and the Centre for Research Communication, and ARMA would like to gratefully acknowledge their contributions. In particular ARMA would like to thank the AUA who have kindly allowed the professional behaviours from the AUA's CPD Framework, 2009 www.aua.ac.uk/cpd-0-.html to be adapted and applied for non-commercial use within the PDF.
The full PDF Project Report is now available.
Research Councils UK say,
Research Councils UK welcome the ARMA Professional Development Framework as it recognises the breadth of skills necessary to have productive and effective research environment. It sets out the knowledge and skills requirements of administrators involved in supporting the research agenda across a range of specialist and generalist roles in centralised offices or in faculties, schools and departments. We are pleased that this benefited from dialogue with Vitae and that it is complementary to the Researcher Development Framework which aims to assist the career development of researchers.
The Association of University Administrators (AUA) say,
The ARMA Professional Development Framework captures the breadth of knowledge, skills and behaviours required of professional services staff enaged in research management and administration, and recognises the complexity and demands of the HE research environment. It also facilitates the alignment of specialist and generalist continuous professional development and AUA welcomes the opportunities the Professional Development Framework provides for individual RMAs to work on their own professional development within the broader HE context.
Alison Robinson-Canham, Executive Director
