Tuesday 2 April 2-3pm, Michael Sadler LG 19

We need members’ views on the draft Code of Practice for REF 2021 (CoP) that the university released for consultation yesterday. We are looking to build on the wealth of experience and expertise in our membership to inform the branch’s position. To this end, we have put together a very short survey that can be completed [here]. Alternatively, you can email your comments to us directly at ucu@leeds.ac.uk. 

All thoughts, comments and concerns are welcome. We are particularly keen to receive your views and experiences relating to: 

• how preparations for REF 2021 interact with Annual Academic Meetings (AAM) and the Staff Review and Development Scheme (SRDS) [CoP para 19];
• the process for identifying staff with significant responsibility for research and staff who are engaged in independent research [CoP para 35-41]
• the process for appealing these decisions [CoP para 55-60];
• and the process for selecting outputs [CoP para 76-84].

Alongside providing your feedback to UCU, we also encourage members to engage with the university’s consultation process by either emailing leedsref@leeds.ac.uk, or by attending one of the three drop-in sessions organised by University Management, details of which can be found [here].

We are holding a Leeds UCU Emergency General Meeting on 2 April, at 2pm, in Michael Sadler LG 19 to discuss the Code of Practice, as well as other REF related concerns. Please do come along if you are able, and if you would like to propose a motion / motions for the branch to consider as policy positions please email ucu@leeds.ac.uk — including if you would like any advice on how to draft them. The motions deadline for the EGM is 2pm on Monday 1 April.