Draft Research Staff Forum: Meeting Notes
20th January 2016
Present:
Luis Alves-Perdigo (Chemistry), Elisabeth Arweck (CES), Helen Ascroft (WMG), Gabriel Beji
(Engineering), Jane Cooper (LDC, notes), Peter Glen-Walley (Life Sciences), Dave Haddleton
(speaker - Chemistry), Liz Harrison (HR), Rachel Hitchcox (Int. of Advanced study), Louise
Kindon (speaker - HR), Yuexi Liu (Int. of Advanced Study), Alisa Mandrigin (Philosophy), Anais
Pitto-Barry (Chemistry), Denise Rae (HR), Stephen Russell (Engineering), Sharifah Sekalala
(Law), Sandy Sparks (Chair, LDC), Stephanie Tierney (WMS), Vaso Totsika (Cedar), Dimitri
Veras (Physics), Sie Wan Hee (WMS)
Apologies:
Catherine Cochrane (RIS), Nicola Galley (Life Sciences), Kate Roberts (Psychology),
Simon Swain (Pro-vice chancellor).

Minutes from last meeting and matters arising.
No actions arising. Minutes accepted.

Welcome
Sandy opened the forum by welcoming everybody and thanking the participants for
attending.

Introduction
Each participant introduced themselves, their department, talked briefly about their role,
updated and shared practice on activities in their departments.
Focus On

Promotion Process
Dave Haddleton and Louise Kindon highlighted the promotions process (presentation
attached). There are three University bodies which are responsible for considering
promotions: Probation Review Group (PRG) – which considers completion of probation and
promotion from Assistant to Associate Professor
 Vice-Chancellors Advisory Group (VCAG) – which considers promotions to Professor,
Profesorial Fellow and Professorial Teaching Fellow
 Academic Staff Committee – which considers all other academic promotions
(The attached slides (slide 4) show the promotions route for teaching only, research only and
research and teaching staff).
The discussion focused on the Academic Staff Committee, it being the relevant body for
promotion for those staff present at the Forum.
It was noted that promotion applications have a high success rate - last year 75 applications
were received, of which, 63 were successful.
The Academic Staff Committee, (like the VCAG and PRG) is comprised of senior academic
staff from a variety of departments across the University, ensuring that each Faculty is well
represented. It was emphasised that it is essential that staff applying for promotion meet
the criteria required – details of which are available on the HR website
(http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/newpolicies/academic_promotions).
It is vital evidence of all publications is readily available and presented clearly. Dave
Haddleton stressed the particular importance of all researchers ensuring their name is listed
on any research applications that they are or will be contributing to
Applications for promotion should normally be submitted with the Head of Departments
supporting statement, however it was noted that individuals can put forward a selfproposed application, which will be considered by the relevant Committee on the same
basis.
It was also noted that referees play an important role in the promotions process, however
if it is felt a referee is too close to an applicant (eg PhD supervisor) the Committee might
consider approaching alternative referees.
In the unfortunate event of an unsuccessful application, it is highly
encouraged/recommended that applicants make use of the Committee’s feedback to help
with further, future applications.

HR Website
Liz Harrison reminded the group of some key deadlines that were approaching.
She said that the PULSE survey remained open until Monday 25 January 2016 and that all
staff should endeavour to complete this if they had not already done so.
 The information regarding the DPR process had been distributed on in-site in early
December (link - http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/ldc/personal/dpr). All staff were
encouraged to take part in this process, although it was not compulsory, and this
provided a good opportunity to discuss career development and any learning needs with
their line manager. The guidance notes and forms are available at the attached link. It
was envisaged that this process should be complete by the end of March if possible.
 DPR/Merit pay
In terms of merit pay, this year all cases would be by nomination only; individuals could
not ask to be considered. (link http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/rewardandbenefits/corebenefits
/meritpay/). However, anyone who felt that they had exceeded their objectives should
complete the appropriate section (Section 2 for Staff on Academic Contracts Levels 5-8)
of the DPR form by 4 March 2016 in order that their line manager could consider
whether they should be nominated by the Department.

LDC Update
Sandy Sparks recommended all attendees visit the Research Active Staff website to see all
the courses and funding opportunity that are available. She drew the forums attention to:
Preparing for Leadership Programme (15 and 22 Feb) – 2 day attendance necessary
Leadership in Action programme (now taking place term 3) – 3 half day attendance
necessary.

Dates for Future Meetings
The next meeting will be held on 10th May 2016, from 10am – 12pm in the Wolfson
Research Exchange. Peter Glen-Walley has agreed to chair the meeting.