Code of Practice approvals process

This page explains the process for the submission for Codes of Practice (CoP) for approval by the UK funding bodies. An approved Code of Practice is a requirement for REF 2029 and sets a minimum standard for participation. The full CoP guidance is in the Guidance section of this website.

For REF 2029, the Scottish Funding Council is responsible for managing the submission process for Codes of Practice from all UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). While the Scottish Funding Council is coordinating this effort on behalf of all four UK funding bodies, assessment and approval for each HEI’s Code of Practice will come from its own national funding body. 

Personal information must not be included in submissions as part of this process

Submissions that include personal data will be returned for amendment.

HEIs should submit their CoP for approval to ref29copsubmissions@sfc.ac.uk.

CoP submissions should be made during one of the four windows below:

• 28 July 2025 to midday 1 Aug 2025 
• 29 Sep 2025 to midday 3 Oct 2025
• 1 Dec 2025 to midday 5 Dec 2025
• 2 Feb 2026 to midday 6 Feb 2026

A further submissions window will be added in due course, anticipated in Summer 2026. As set out in Section 8 – Code of Practice guidance, we anticipate that the approval process will take a maximum of three months for each submission. Submitted CoP may be returned with required amendments or clarifications.  

Receipt of your submission will be confirmed.

Assessment and approval of your submission will be undertaken by staff from your HEI’s funding body, informed, as appropriate, by the REF 2029 People and Diversity Advisory Panel (PDAP) and/or Research Diversity Advisory Panel (RDAP). Any queries arising during this assessment will be sent directly to HEIs from their funding body.

Send any queries on the submission process to ref29copsubmissions@sfc.ac.uk.

Send any queries on CoP policy and guidance to  info@ref.ac.uk.