HR Excellence in Research Award

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 reviewed and updated in 2024.
• Intellectual Property Policy reviewed and updated July 2022. 
• Embedding of the Research Career Framework into the University, including the redesign of the DCU Research Hub in 2024.
• A new Researcher Development Guide for Postdoctoral Researchers was developed in 2021 and a further review was completed and is due to be relaunched by end 2024 in a web based format. 
• 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 Explore Programme and development programmes. 
• 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 with easy access to all the supports available.   It was further reviewed and updated in 2024.
• Mentoring has been expanded significantly in the last number of years at the University, including a specific programme track and communications for Researchers.  The  Mentoring Programme was reviewed and re-launched in 2024 and helps to meet the emerging needs of all staff. 
• Guide of Good Practice in the Recruitment and Selection of Research Students and Graduate Research Guide is published annually. 
• Better communication on development opportunities through collaboration with DCU People Learning & Organisational Development together with the Research Development and Support unit which issue regular communications via the Research Newsletters. 
• Award and maintenance of the Athena Swan Bronze Award at a University level and the further attainment of the Athena Swan Silver Award in 2024 and a number of Schools with bronze awards and more to come.
• As part of our Athena Swan Silver Award, DCU has committed to an Athena Swan Five Year Action Plan to be implemented over a five year period 2024-2029.  It 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 newly launched Jobs Portal (e-recruit) is used for applicants to apply for roles and caters for internal and external candidates.
• DCU People Website redesigned to provide a better and more streamlined and informative user experience and transparent access to information.
• PRD (Performance Review and Development) process implemented on a phased basis across the University and includes a Researchers template aligned to the Research Career Framework. 
• Recruitment & Selection Policy reviewed and updated in 2024.
• Digital Orientation Programme newly designed and launched programme in 2024 which encompasses supports for both research and non-research staff. 
• DCU Open Research website was developed to provide a single access point to information on practices and supports for the DCU community. 
• The embedding of the Research Competencies within the University policies and processes including Recruitment & Selection, PRD (Performance, Review & Development) and Learning and Development processes has given greater focus on the need to utilise a range of competency frameworks.  A mapping exercise was completed against the Vitae Framework and to the European Commission’s ResearchComp 
• The launch of the New DCU People Wellbeing Strategy in 2024 provides clarity on the range of Wellbeing initiatives, supports and polices
• The launch of the Remote Working Policy in 2024.
• DCU EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) initiatives have been relaunched and introduced for the following policies: Dignity & Respect at Work & Study Policy (2023), The Domestic Violence Policy (2023) and the Sexual Misconduct Policy (2023) which are available in the EDI, Policy & Toolkit Section.  Further initiatives include the introduction of Training for Managers on Supporting Autistic Staff and the Sexual Violence Consent Framework further details are available on DCU EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion).  

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.