We are seeking to appoint the REF 2029 panel secretariat on a secondment basis. These roles will be appointed to work for up to 65 days until June 2026 for the:
You can now apply for these roles and we welcome full and part-time applications. We particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
Please submit your application by midday on Monday 13 January 2025.
The secretariat plays a key role in the development and delivery of the assessment framework and comprises two different positions:
Members of the secretariat will be appointed from any sector organisation that can support secondment.
We aim to retain the members of the secretariat from the criteria phase through into the assessment phase. However, we acknowledge that there may be a need for a second round of recruitment for the assessment phase, starting from Autumn 2028.
Panel advisor role
Panel advisors are senior appointments who work with and support REF panels in developing and applying criteria.
We are seeking to appoint 12 panel advisors across the PCE pilot and the main and sub-panels.
The panel advisors will:
- have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the REF criteria and procedures
- develop and provide complex guidance to academic committees
- write key REF 2029 guidance documentation
- develop and advise on the guidance for the different UoAs
- support secretaries in their activities
Panel secretary role
Panel secretaries provide administrative support for panels.
We are seeking to appoint 21 panel secretaries across the PCE pilot and the main and sub-panels.
The panel secretaries will:
- have a range of skills and experience in servicing academic committees
- understand the REF, including key changes from 2021
- in the criteria phase, take minutes, gather information, and support cross panel understanding and calibration
Ways of working
We anticipate that meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual. Face-to-face meetings will be held where necessary (for example to establish relationships, to conclude a portion of activity). Virtual meetings will be used where possible, to improve accessibility, and provide flexibility to the process and panel working practices, and to reduce cost and burden.
The frequency of meetings will vary depending upon the point in the REF cycle. There will be peaks and troughs in the time commitment required.
Reporting and accountability
Panel advisors and secretaries work closely with the REF panel chairs and will report to the REF team. Panel advisors will be responsible for the workload management of panel secretaries, however ultimate decision-making regarding work-related issues will come from the REF team.
As members of the secretariat will be appointed on a secondment basis, employment responsibilities will remain with the employing organisation.
Conflicts of interest
Members of the secretariat must declare any conflicts of interest from the outset.
This includes:
- direct employment with any organisation involved in the exercise
- direct benefit from any panel activities or recommendation, either financially or professionally
Conflicts of interest will be managed on a case-by-case basis throughout appointment.
Payment
The secretariat will be appointed on a secondment basis, with a proportion of time bought out from their existing employer. This means that payment will continue to be received from your existing employer.
Panel advisors are paid a day rate of £440 per day worked.
Panel secretaries are paid a day rate of £350 per day worked.
Person specification
The secretariat roles are being managed through open recruitment. We invite applications from a diverse spread of experience and expertise. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.
On the form, you will be able to indicate whether you want to apply to be an advisor or secretary, and if you would like to be involved in the PCE pilot. If you choose to take part in the PCE pilot you can still be part of the secretariat for the full REF 2029 exercise. Applications will be considered based on the information you submit to the criteria for each role.
How to complete the form:
- you will need to complete the application form in one go so we recommend you prepare your answers separately
- in the application form you will be asked to outline the following areas with a maximum of 400 words for each of the 3 numbered sections
- please feel free to click on the link to open the application form if you wish to view it. You’ll be able to click on the link again when you are ready to submit your answers
Please submit your application by midday on Monday 13 January 2025.
Questions for the panel advisor role
- Your knowledge and understanding relevant to the role:
- an excellent understanding of the UK higher education research landscape and the REF
- an ability to analyse complex information and produce clear and concise guidance
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
- Your experience relevant to the role:
- experience of REF assessment processes
- experience of working in a senior academic or research management role in a higher education institution, or research environment
- experience of developing and implementing research assessment policies and procedures
- Your skills and abilities relevant to the role:
- excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic skills
- ability to work effectively in a team and to lead and motivate others
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
In your answers to the above, please also demonstrate your experience of the following:
- a commitment to people, culture, and environment
- a commitment to the principles of public life
- a willingness to learn and develop new skills
Questions for the panel secretary role
- Your knowledge and understanding relevant to the role:
- an understanding of the REF and its processes
- an understanding of the UK higher education research landscape
- an ability to interpret and apply complex guidance and procedures
- Your experience relevant to the role:
- experience of providing administrative support to academic committees or panels
- experience of working in a research or academic environment in a higher education institution
- experience of using REF-related IT systems and databases
- Your skills and abilities relevant to the role:
- excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- strong attention to detail and accuracy
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- experience of minute taking and producing clear and concise records
- proficient in the use of IT systems and software
In your answers to the above, please also demonstrate your experience of the following:
- a commitment to people, culture and environment
- a commitment to the principles of public life
- a willingness to learn and develop new skills
Selection process
Appointments will be made based on the applications received. We may choose to follow up with applicants where more information is required.
In the final selection we will aim to secure a spread of experience and expertise across the secretariat, including:
- regionality and across the UK nations
- institutions
- institution type
The four UK higher education funding bodies will make the final decision on all appointments. All panel appointments will be required to conduct themselves in line with the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Expected timeline
The secretariat appointments will be made from February 2025.
Panel advisors involved in the PCE pilot will be required to be involved in a PCE online meeting in the last 2 weeks of February 2025 and throughout the pilot assessment and reporting period, (April to September 2025).
Introduction meetings with Main panel chairs – March 2025
Supporting sub-panel recruitment – March to July 2025
Please email info@ref.ac.uk for further information, using the subject ‘Secretariat recruitment’.
Please submit your application by midday on Monday 13 January 2025.