Statement from Chair of the REF 2029 Steering Group and Research England Director of Research, Steven Hill:
“After two-and-a-half years of exceptional leadership, Rebecca Fairbairn will be stepping down as Director of REF 2029 in April. Rebecca has been a brilliant leader for the programme, building a high-performing team, creating the tools and processes needed for REF 2029, and working closely with the sector to develop a robust and deliverable framework. As REF 2029 now moves from its setup phase into full implementation, Rebecca will be handing over the reins and leaving the REF in excellent shape. Her work has shaped REF 2029 at every stage, including overseeing the successful PCE pilot and leading the creative reset of the framework over the past six months.
“She leaves behind a strong and well-established REF team, alongside the fully-recruited and on-boarded Secretariat and expert panels, all of whom will continue to drive the exercise forward. Interim arrangements will be put in place by the funding bodies before Rebecca’s departure to ensure a smooth transition while recruitment for a successor is planned. We extend our deepest thanks to Rebecca for her outstanding contribution and her unwavering commitment to delivering a REF that works for the sector and all four nations of the UK. We wish her every success in her next steps.”
Further information:
- A strong focus on delivery at this critical stage of the exercise will be maintained through the established REF team, with additional leadership support. From April, Kim Hackett will provide overall strategic leadership to the programme going forward, and Catriona Firth will provide leadership on programme delivery. Both will bring their detailed experience of the exercise more widely, and continuity within the current framework. They will continue to work collaboratively with the other funding bodies, as co-owners of the framework.
- Work is also progressing with interim arrangements for the programme director role, with a recruitment process for Rebecca’s successor now underway.