Issues in Research Management and Administration
IRMA2 (March 2005)
Great Expectations: Managing and Developing Contract Research Staff
by Ray Kent, Christian Carter, Wendy Stainton-Rogers, Steve Milsom, Chris Kynch and Steff Hazlehurst
Abstract:
The first section of this paper provides a brief history of the development of the contract research workforce in the UK, particularly in universities, introducing the Concordat, the Research Careers Initiative, the Framework Agreement on Fixed-term Work, and the implications of Full Economic Costing. These topics are taken up in the next three sections: the second provides a human resources perspective, examining a number of initiatives introduced at the University of Bristol to address employment issues for contract research staff, and how these initiatives have been received by researchers. The third section is a review of the implementation of a career development guidance pack for contract researchers, and plans for its future use, whilst the fourth section explores the viewpoint of contract research staff themselves on the way in which they are employed and necessary changes to current practice. The final section attempts to draw out some messages and ideas for research managers and administrators in relation to the future management and development of the research workforce, identifying potential training needs.
Please note: You will need Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or later to read IRMA2. If you have an earlier version, get your upgrade here.
