HR Excellence in Research Award
DCU was awarded HR Excellence in Research in 2015
In 2015, DCU was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” award in recognition of our implementation of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The aim of the Charter and Code is to develop an attractive, open and sustainable European labour market for Researchers.
This significant award was retained by DCU in 2017 and 2019 through the internal and external review processes of the European Commission.
Prior to the 2015 award, a significant internal Gap Analysis involving key stakeholder groups was completed. This compared all policies and practices against the HRS4R Charter and Code principles.
Based on the results of the Gap Analysis, DCU developed its own HR Strategy for Researchers, which included a concrete public action plan.
The Gap Analysis and action plan were reviewed and acknowledged by the European Commission, granting DCU the award and the right to use the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo.
Progress in the implementation of the strategy and our action plan was subject to a self-assessment review in 2017 and a rigorous assessment cycle of reviews for award renewal.
Significant progress has been made by DCU since the initial gap analysis was completed and key areas of the action plan have been completed including:
- DCU Code of Good Research Practice and Intellectual Property Policy were recently updated.
- Embedding of the Researcher Career Framework into the University, including the launch of a Researcher Development Hub and Researcher Development Guide.
- A new Researcher Development Guide for Postdoctoral Researchers was developed in 2021.
- Fully embedded training in the areas of Unconscious Bias; Equality Diversity & Inclusion; Intellectual Property and Research Integrity.
- Professional Skills for Research Leaders (PSRL) programme and better access to the University Leadership & Management programme.
- A new Research Lifecycle website was developed and launched in 2021. The website guides researchers in each stage of the funding life cycle. It also provides researchers easy access to all the supports available.
- Mentoring has been expanded significantly in the last number of years at the University, including a specific programme track and communications for Researchers.
- Guide of Good Practice in the Recruitment and Selection of Research Students and Graduate Research Guide published.
- Better communication on development opportunities through regular newsletters from Research Innovation Support, HR Learning & Organisational Development and the DCU Teaching Enhancement Unit.
- Award and maintenance of the Athena Swan bronze award at a University level and the award of two schools with bronze awards and more to come. The University will also be submitting an application for the Institutional Silver Athena Swan award in 2024.
- As part of our Athena SWAN application in 2020, DCU has committed to a four year gender action plan that seeks to progress gender equality within the university structures. In addition to gender, the EDI team has expanded this plan to include other areas of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- DCU Library has developed a guide on the Open Access Agreements that the university has negotiated. This guide is updated periodically with any new inclusions.
The DCU HRS4R Action Plan went through a comprehensive review with the Working Groups and Steering Committee in 2022 & 2024. The updated action plan has been submitted to the European Commission for review.
The DCU Steering Committee and Working Groups will continue to monitor and progress the plan outside of the formal European Commission review process.
The OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment) principles align with our existing values of Open, Collegial, Collaborative, Inclusive, Ambitious and Student Focused which are outlined in the DCU Strategy 2023-2028 - Transformation for an Unscripted Future.
The OTMR-R principles are embedded in the University’s Policies, procedures and processes including the Recruitment & Selection Policy; The Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities; The Equality & Access Policy and is further aligned to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the University and our commitment to Athena Swan.
To find out more check out DCU's OTM-R checklist.
You can find out more through the European Commissions’ Human Resources Strategy for Researchers website. For any questions relating to DCU’s Action Plan please contact Irene Murphy.