Research Career Development

Research Career Development

The Royal Veterinary College has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research and is committed to developing its scientific researchers. A core tenet of our Research and Innovation Strategy is a commitment to the production of a diverse cadre of graduates, postgraduates and early career researchers able to work within industry, government and academia, and equipped to address modern veterinary and biomedical challenges.

A vibrant researcher community is key to delivering our ambitious research and innovation strategy at the RVC. We want all research staff at the RVC to have a positive experience, which enables them to deliver ambitious and impactful research, at the same time as developing their careers and equipping them for the next stage, in whatever form that takes.

The RVC has developed a Concordat Code of Practice and Guide, structured to enable Principal Investigators and Research Staff to be clear on expectations and the surrounding support structures. It also includes a range of appendices to support professional career development.

Concordat

The 'Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers' (also known as the Researcher Development Concordat) is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK, setting out the expectations and responsibilities of each stakeholder in researcher careers – researchers themselves, their managers, employers and funders.

It sets out three clear principles of environment and culture, employment, and professional and career development. The principles are underpinned by obligations for the four key stakeholder groups, funders, institutions, researchers, and managers of researchers, to realise the aims of the concordat.

RVC also supports its researchers through training, experiential activities, and established groups including the Researcher Association) , and the Research Concordat Working Group.

For more information, see Staff Training and Development Programme (internal users only) or contact Staff Training on training@rvc.ac.uk

HR Excellence in Research Award

After assessment by Vitae and an external panel, the RVC has been awarded the HR excellence in research (HREiR) award, renewed in 2026.

This award recognises the positive steps the RVC has taken, and continues to take, to support researchers' career development and the actions in place to implement the principles of the Concordat to Support the Development of Researchers.

Through a process managed by Vitae, any UK organisation employing or funding researchers is eligible to apply for the Award. Since first achieving the first award in 2012, multiple reviews on progress and actions have been undertaken.

2026 Award Review

The Royal Veterinary College is pleased to announce that following a thirteen-year review, its HR Excellence in Research Award (HREiR) has been renewed. The HR Excellence in Research Award is an important mechanism for implementing the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. As part of the awarding process, the RVC submitted an internal gap analysis of how its existing policies and practices align with the Concordat. The RVC also shared its robust action plan, developed in collaboration with RVC researchers, outlining the institution’s next steps for implementing the principles of the award. Please read the press release from Vitae – February 2026 confirming this announcement.

Evaluation and Review Summary Report

RVC Concordat HREiR action plan 2025-2028

RVC Concordat HREiR action plan 2022-2025

Evaluation and Review Report 2020-2022

RVC Concordat Action Plan status document 2020-2022

RVC Eight-year Evaluation and Review Report

RVC Concordat Action Plan 2020-2022

RVC Concordat Action Plan and Implementation Strategy 2018-2020

RVC Concordat Action Plan 2018-2020 "HR excellence in Research Award" - Six-year internal review

RVC Concordat Action Plan 2016-2019

RVC 4 year Evaluation and Review Report

Concordat Action Plan status document 2013-2015