IL SPRE – overview of assessment

Published: 11 November 2026

These tables outline the structure of the template for the IL SPRE statement and show which sections are assessed.

Section 0: Context, mission and structure

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
1. Institutional context and missionInforms assessment
2. Organisational structures relevant to researchInforms assessment
3. Information on significant changes to the institution’s disciplinary portfolio within the REF periodInforms assessment

Standard data analyses

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
Summary of submission structure across the whole institutionInforms assessment

Section 1: Strategy

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
1. Institutional strategic objectives for research, engagement and impact during the REF period and over the next five yearsDirectly scored
2. Institutional approach to investment in research, engagement and impactDirectly scored
3. Institutional approach to supporting research diversityDirectly scored
4. Institutional approach to encouraging and embedding open and responsible research, engagement and impact practicesDirectly scored

Section 2: People

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
1. Institutional research culture and staff/research student experienceDirectly scored
2. Institutional support for equality, diversity and inclusion in the research environmentDirectly scored
3. Institutional support for people to develop, deliver and sustain excellent research, engagement and impactDirectly scored
4. Institutional support for research students and supervisionDirectly scored
Quantitative data: Number of research and professional doctoral degrees awarded (SPRE 4.3)Informs assessment
Quantitative data: Number of clinical academicsInforms assessment

Section 3: Income, infrastructure and facilities

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
1. Institutional approach to research funding Directly scored
2. Institutional approach to infrastructure and facilities and how these are managed and made accessible Directly scored
3. Institutional support for environmentally responsible research practices and the sustainable operation of research facilities and infrastructure. Directly scored
4. The institution’s provision of technical and support staff, including those associated with specialist infrastructure and/or deploying specialist knowledge to assist researchers. Directly scored
Quantitative data: Annual research income, total and by source (SPRE 4.3) Informs assessment

Section 4: Collaboration, engagement and impact

Included elementsDirectly scored or Informs assessment
1.Institutional approach to collaborative practices  Directly scored
2. Institutional approach to engagement and impact Directly scored