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 CoP submissions as part of this process

CoP 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 following windows:

• 28 July 2025 to midday 1 August 2025 
• 29 September 2025 to midday 3 October 2025 – Cancelled  
• 1 December 2025 to midday 5 December 2025 – Cancelled 
• 2 February 2026 to midday 6 February 2026 
• 11 May 2026 to midday 15 May 2026  

The September 2025 and December 2025 CoP submission windows were cancelled due to the pause in the criteria phase. An additional window has been added and will run from 11 May to midday on 15 May 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 CoP submission. Submitted CoPs may be returned with required amendments or clarifications.  

Receipt of your submitted CoP will be confirmed.

Assessment and approval of your CoP 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 CoP submission process to ref29copsubmissions@sfc.ac.uk.

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