ROCG Chair and Membership

The Research Councils are seeking nominations for a Chair and Members of the Research Organisation Consultation Group (ROCG). The group was established in 2004, originally to advise the Research Councils on the implementation of fEC, but now with a broader remit to advise on all aspects of research funding administration and policy.

Nominations must be endorsed by the individual’s employing Research Organisation at the level of the Director of Research Services, Director of Finance, or equivalent, as appropriate. Where an individual at that level is being nominated the endorsement should be from their line manager. All nominations or self nominations for the position of Chair should clearly state this and provide relevant additional justification describing why the nominee is qualified to be the Chair.

All nominations and endorsements must be submitted in writing by 8 April 2011. To be considered for membership of the ROCG, individuals should have:

1. Direct involvement in research administration in a Research Organisation (RO).
2. Experience of dealing with research and/or financial administration issues at an inter-RO level.
3. An understanding and some knowledge of the work and operations of the Research Councils (RCs).
4. Knowledge of more than one RC is desirable.
5. Knowledge of both pre and post award is desirable.
6. Experience with both research grants and training grants is desirable.
7. A commitment to contribute to the work of the group, sometime on fairly short timescales mainly via correspondence but some meetings, usually twice a year.

The terms of membership will usually be up to three years, but some terms will be shorter to enable a rolling annual renewal of the membership.

The work of the group is carried out primarily through correspondence and one to two meetings each year with the Research Councils Administration Convergence Group (RACG). The Research Councils pay the travel and subsistence costs associated with these meetings, but no attendance fees are payable.

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Further information

1. For queries about nominations and the Group contact:
   Anne Dixon, Chair of RACG
   Tel: 01793 416244 or email: anne.dixon@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

2. Nominations and endorsements should be submitted by 8 April 2011 in writing to:
   Gemma Wiggins
   Email: gemma.wiggins@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

3. Format for nominations
   The nomination should provide details of the nominated individual’s suitability against each of the numbered selection criteria using the following format:

   Regarding the selection criteria above, xxx (insert name) suitability is as follows:

   1. ……………………
   2. ……………………
   3. ……………………
   4. ……………………
   5. ……………………
   6. ……………………

   Any further information e.g. membership of professional or other representational bodies.

   Additional justification describing why the nominee is suitable to be the Chair if applicable.

4. The Terms of Reference of ROCG are:

   The role of the ROCG is to provide Councils with advice from a Research Organisation (RO) perspective on policies, processes and administrative arrangements associated with grants, studentships and fellowships.

   To this end it will in particular:

   • Work closely with the Research Administration Convergence Group (RACG), bringing forward suggestions and reviewing proposals developed by the Councils.

   • Engage with the wider RO community to develop a representative perspective on issues, promoting good communication between ROs and Research Councils including participation in research administration seminars and encourage the further development of good working practices within ROs.