Researcher Development Assessment A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities
Domain A: Knowledge and
intellectual abilities
This domain relates to the
knowledge and intellectual
abilities needed to be able to
carry out excellent research.
Skill level
(1-5)
Characteristic descriptor
A1 Knowledge base
1
Subject knowledge




2
Research Methods –
theoretical
3
Research Methods –
practical
4
5
Information seeking
Information literacy
and management












I have a core knowledge and basic understanding of key concepts, issues and history
of thought.
I am aware of recent advances within my own research area and in related areas.
I am working towards making an original contribution to knowledge.
I am developing awareness of international and non-academic dimensions of
knowledge creation.
I understand relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate
application within my own research area.
I can justify the principles and experimental techniques used in my own research.
I can skilfully use a range of research methods linked to my study area and can
document my own activity.
I can demonstrate growth in competence in my own subject area and I am
developing my awareness of alternative methods/techniques.
I can acquire and develop information search and discovery skills and techniques.
I can identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives and other
sources of relevant information including web based resources, primary sources and
repositories.
I can make best use of a range of current tools and techniques.
I can assess the reliability, reputation and relevance of sources.
I seek feedback from relevant groups to achieve other insights.
I am capable of designing and executing systems for the acquisition and collation of
information using information technology (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets,
simulation systems, databases) appropriately.
I am developing an awareness of information/data security and longevity issues.
I know where to obtain expert advice – i.e. information/data managers, archivists and
1
1= no evidence
2 = low
3 = average
4 = strong
5 = outstanding
6
Languages

7
Academic literacy and
numeracy




librarians.
I have excellent knowledge of the language(s) (including technical) which are
appropriate for my research.
I can prepare grammatically and syntactically correct text for written or oral
presentation.
I can write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose and context for specialist and
non-specialist audiences.
I am mathematically competent to undertake research in my own discipline/research
area and understand and can apply any statistics that may be used in my
discipline/research area. I can analyse data and use appropriate computer
packages.
I am IT literate and digitally competent, I can use virtual networks for research.
A2 Cognitive abilities
1
Analysing
2
Synthesising
3
Critical thinking
4
Evaluating
5
Problem solving












I can critically analyse and evaluate my own findings and those of others.
I can validate the datasets of others.
I see connections between sections of my own information/data and previous studies.
I will benefit from guidance in order to synthesise information/data and ideas.
I am able to understand arguments and theories (oral and textual) and articulate my
own assumptions; I am developing independent and critical thinking.
I have the ability to recognise and validate problems.
I can recognise multiple ways of knowing.
I am able to summarise documents and reports and can reflect on my progress.
I can evaluate the impact and outcomes of my own research activities.
I can assess the quality, integrity and authenticity of primary and secondary research
information/data.
I am able to receive and give constructive criticism.
I can isolate basic themes of my own research and formulate basic research
questions and hypotheses.
A3 Creativity
1
Inquiring mind
2
Intellectual insight
3
Innovation





I demonstrate a willingness and an ability to learn and acquire knowledge.
I am developing a style of questioning and questioning techniques.
I can absorb and appropriate ideas and am intellectually sharp.
I can create ideas and opportunities by investigating/seeking information.
I understand the role of innovation and creativity in research.
2
4
Argument construction
5
Intellectual risk





I may engage in interdisciplinary research.
I can constructively defend my research outcomes.
I am able to provide evidence in support of ideas.
I can structure oral and written arguments concisely and intelligibly.
I test the boundaries, I am willing to expose my ideas to a critical audience and to
critically appraise other research.
Researcher Development Assessment B: Personal effectiveness
Skill level
(1-5)
Domain B: Personal
effectiveness
This domain contains the
personal qualities, career and
self-management skills required
to take ownership for and
engage in professional
development.
Characteristic descriptor
B1 Personal Qualities
1
Enthusiasm

I can maintain enthusiasm and motivation for my own research.
2
Perseverance


3
Integrity
4
Self-confidence
5
Self-reflection
6
Responsibility
I can demonstrate self-discipline, motivation and thoroughness.
I persevere in the face of obstacles and set-backs but benefit from peer, supervisor or
leader support.
I deal effectively with the dull, routine, aspects of research.
I can demonstrate an appreciation of standards of good research practice in the
institution and/or discipline/research area.
I seek guidance as necessary.
I am aware of some personal abilities and am willing to demonstrate them.
I recognise the boundaries of my own knowledge, skills and expertise and draw upon
and use sources of support as appropriate.
I make time to reflect on practice and experience.
I develop my strengths and improve on my weak areas.
I seek personal feedback.
I learn from my mistakes.
I am capable of gradually taking complete responsibility for my own project and my
own well-being and developing independence.










3
1= no evidence
2 = low
3 = average
4 = strong
5 = outstanding
B2 Self-management
1
2
3
4
5
Preparation and
prioritisation
Commitment to
research
Time management

Responsiveness to
change
Work-life balance







I prepare and plan my project to fulfil objectives and with support. I am able to adapt if
necessary.
I am determined to complete my first project.
I can commit to my own project and establish my research credentials.
I can manage my own time effectively to complete my research project; I can adhere
to a clear plan.
I can adapt my approach when required to, seek guidance and carefully consider risk.
I am developing an awareness of work-life balance issues.
I use support and advisory resources when necessary to avoid undue pressure and to
enhance my personal well-being.
I am alert to the needs of others.
B3 Professional and career development
1
Career management


2
Continuing professional
development
3
Responsiveness to
opportunities
4
Networking
5
Reputation and esteem









I can take ownership of and manage my own career progression, I can set realistic
and achievable career goals, and I can identify and develop ways to improve
employability.
I am able to present my own skills, personal attributes and experiences through
effective CVs, applications and interviews.
I am beginning to establish a career network.
I can appreciate the need to show commitment to continuing professional
development.
I can recognise the transferability of own experience and can articulate this to
potential employers or line managers.
I am able to develop and maintain my own records of achievement and experience.
I can demonstrate an insight into the transferable nature of research skills to other
work environments and the range of career opportunities within and outside
academia.
I seek to gain a broader range of experience.
I can develop and maintain co-operative networks and working relationships with
supervisors, colleagues and peers, within the institution and the wider research
community.
I can speak with authority on my own topic.
I am beginning to be known as a good researcher.
4
Researcher Development Assessment C: Research governance and
organisation
Skill level
(1-5)
Domain C: Research
governance and organisation
This domain relates to the
knowledge of the standards,
requirements and professional
conduct that are needed for
the effective management of
research.
Characteristic descriptor
C1 Professional conduct
1
Health and safety


2
Ethics and principles
and sustainability





3
Legal requirements

4
IPR and copyright

5
Respect and
confidentiality

I can understand relevant health and safety issues and demonstrate responsible
working practices.
I am able to take responsibility for my own work space and am aware of my impact
on others and the wider environment.
I can show knowledge and understanding of ethical requirements and codes of
conduct appropriate for my discipline/research area, research council and
professional association/body.
I can take responsibility for ethics in my own project.
I am able to demonstrate an awareness of issues relating to the rights of other
researchers, of research subjects, and of others who may be affected by my
research.
I am mindful of the environment and my own impact on it. I understand how to
behave and work in a sustainable way.
I understand the concept of corporate social responsibility and will seek guidance as
necessary.
I have a basic understanding of legal requirements surrounding research (e.g. Data
Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act, Disability Discrimination Act and equality
legislation).
I have a basic understanding of data ownership rules as they apply to my own
research.
Within my own research I respect the right of participants to confidentiality and
anonymity. I respect colleagues.
5
1= no evidence
2 = low
3 = average
4 = strong
5 = outstanding
6
7
Attribution and coauthorship
Appropriate practice



I understand the concept of attribution and apply it consistently and fairly in order to
appropriately recognise contributions and co-authorships.
I am able to seek advice on local codes of conduct.
I understand and adhere to the rules and regulations concerning academic
malpractice in the institution in which I am based. I also adhere to the rules and
regulations of the professional body and funder where appropriate.
C2 Research Management
1. Research strategy
2. Project planning and
delivery
3. Risk management






I understand how my own research aligns with the research strategy of the institution
and strategic focus of the discipline/research area.
I can develop an understanding of the broader context of research.
I can apply effective project management skills through the setting of research goals,
intermediate milestones and prioritisation of activities.
I act on decisions agreed with my supervisor/line manager and can deliver results.
I can make basic risk assessment and, with support, I am able to manage risks in my
own project.
I am aware of the risks in virtual environments and when using interactive
communication technologies.
C3 Finance, funding and resources
1
2
3
Income and funding
generation
Financial management
Infrastructure and
resources






I understand the processes for funding and evaluation of research.
I can write an individual research proposal.
I understand the basic principles of financial management.
I have commercial awareness.
I make the best use of available resources.
I know my immediate academic system/work environment.
6
Researcher Development Assessment D: Engagement, influence and impact
Skill level
(1-5)
Domain D: Engagement,
influence and impact
This domain relates to the
knowledge, understanding and
skills needed to engage with,
influence and impact on the
academic, social, cultural,
economic and broader context.
Characteristic descriptor
D1 Working with others
1
Collegiality
2
Team working




3
People management


4
Supervision

5
Mentoring

6
Influence and
leadership
7
Collaboration








8
Equality and diversity


I can show consideration to others.
I am able to listen, give and receive feedback, and respond perceptively to others.
I understand my own behaviour and its impact on others when working in and
contributing to the success of formal and informal teams.
I can appreciate the contributions of other team members including non-academic
members.
I can thank people for their contribution.
I am able to negotiate activities and deadlines with my supervisor/line manager.
I am able to engage in peer support and evaluation, and undergraduate support and
assessment.
I can effectively support the learning of others when involved in teaching, mentoring,
demonstrating or other research activities.
I recognise the importance of mentorship.
I can engage in debate and invite challenge.
I am developing an awareness of the need to gain support.
I can recognise the implications of my own research for real life contexts.
I am learning the value to academia of engaging in dialogue with users to achieve
influence and impact.
I have a developing awareness of the value of working collaboratively in order to
benefit research and to maximise the potential for impact.
I am working towards co-production of knowledge with supervisors/research leaders.
I can recognise common/conflicting interests within my own and adjacent
disciplines/research areas.
I am sensitive to and respectful of individual differences.
I am developing an awareness of diversity and difference within the working
environment.
7
1= no evidence
2 = low
3 = average
4 = strong
5 = outstanding

I am able to understand the equality and diversity requirements of my institution.
D2 Communication and dissemination
1
Communication
methods



2
3
Communication media

Publication





I can construct coherent arguments and articulate ideas clearly to a range of
audiences, formally and informally, through a variety of techniques, including written
and oral formats.
I can listen to debate and engage with the audience.
I am able to actively engage in knowledge exchange with colleagues, sometimes
across disciplines/research areas.
I am developing skills in a range of communication areas where useful and/or
necessary, e.g. face-to-face interaction using interactive technologies, textual and
visual media.
I have a web presence as a researcher.
I can use visual aids effectively in presentations.
I am able to understand the processes of publication and academic exploitation of
research results.
I am working towards producing publishable material in print, electronic or other
format.
I am developing an awareness of the range and diversity of outlets for publications.
D3 Engagement and impact
1
Teaching
2
Public engagement






3
Enterprise




4
Policy

I am willing to contribute to teaching at undergraduate level.
I can assist in the supervision of undergraduate projects.
I am able to participate in research meetings (seminars, workshops, conferences,
etc).
I am developing an awareness of the ways research influences/enhances teaching.
I can understand the value of engaging with the public. I willingly participate with the
public and I am open to the influence of public interactions on my own work.
I am able to respond to local opportunities and existing activities; I can present
aspects of my research at public events.
I can create ideas and spot opportunities internally and externally.
I am developing ideas in an innovative manner within my own institution or externally.
I understand the process of commercial exploitation of research results.
I am willing to learn of the value to academia of establishing relationships in
business/commercial context.
I can understand relevant policy-making processes and can present my findings in a
policy-friendly format.
8

5
Society and culture

6
Global citizenship


I am able to analyse policies and understand the wider contexts within which they are
situated.
I am developing an awareness of the impact of research on wider society and of the
impact of society, the environment and culture on research.
I can understand the concept of corporate social responsibility.
I can show a broad understanding of the context in which my own research takes
place, at national and international levels.
Note: PhD Students should complete the Researcher Development Assessment on-line after they have attended a Researcher
Development Assessment Workshop provided as part of the Graduate School’s Researcher Development Programme. Workshops
can be booked by accessing the on-line booking system at: https://bloom.kent.ac.uk. The above assessment is available on-line
and followed by free text boxes in which you will be asked to analyse your results and identify a plan for your development (please
see below).
Having rated your skills in the above RDF areas, please consider your results and use the overall analysis box below to write a
commentary on the outcome. You should outline: (i) the evidence for areas where you have identified that you already have a
high skill level and (ii) list areas where you judge that you need to undertake more development opportunities to improve your skills.
Overall Analysis
Having considered your results, please use the development opportunities box below to outline a plan for developing skills in the
areas you have identified. Opportunities for developing skills are available through participation in workshops offered as part of
the Graduate School’s Researcher Development Programme as well as participation in school-based training and other career
development opportunities. You should use the box below to identify all types of development opportunity. If you identify areas of
training that are not currently available via your school or the Graduate School, please contact: skills@kent.ac.uk.
Development opportunities
9