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Research Councils seek new Members for the Research Organisation Consultation Group (ROCG)

The Research Councils are seeking nominations for members of the Research Organisation Consultation Group (ROCG). 

The group, established in 2004 and currently chaired by Lita Denny from the University of Manchester, was originally to advise the Research Councils on the implementation of FEC but now enjoys a broader remit advising on all aspects of research funding administration and policy (see attached Terms of Reference).  Some of the current members are coming to the end of their term so we are looking for some new members to take their place.

If you know of someone who you think would be able to make a contribution to the group and would meet the criteria, set out below, please complete the online nomination form by December 19, 2014. 

Nomination form (MS Word format )

Nominations require the endorsement of the individual’s employing Research Organisation at the level of 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.

Criteria for membership

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 desirable
5. Knowledge of both pre and post-award desirable
6. Experience with both research grants and training grants desirable
7. A commitment to contribute to the work of the group, sometimes on fairly short timescales, mainly via correspondence but some meetings
8. A commitment to consult widely on issues and to represent the views of research organisation administration staff beyond the individual’s own institution.

In addition, we will try to achieve a balanced membership in terms of geography and RO type. In particular, we will aim to achieve representation from:

• at least 4 Russell Group HEIs
• up to 4 non-Russell Group HEIs
• at least 1 non-HEI

Membership will last up to three years but some terms will be shorter than this to enable a rolling annual renewal of the membership. 

The work of the group is carried out by correspondence and through two meetings per year, usually in Swindon, with representatives from the Research Councils. The Councils will pay the travel and subsistence costs associated with these meetings but no attendance fees are payable. It is important that candidates attend these meetings as membership is on an individual not institutional basis. Members may not send alternates or delegate responsibility for attendance to colleagues. 

If you have any queries about making a nomination please contact Andrew le Masurier (Andrew.leMasurier@stfc.ac.uk)

The Terms of Reference of the ROCG are:

The role of the ROCG is to provide Councils and UKSBS 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 Grants Governance Group (G3), bringing forward suggestions and reviewing proposals developed by the Councils;
• Engage with the wider RO community to develop a representative perspective on issues, promote good communications between ROs and the Research Councils/UKSBS, and encourage the further development of good working practices within ROs.

The work of the group will be conducted by correspondence and by 1-2 meetings each year with representatives from G3.  

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Further information

Contact:
Nicholas Turner
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Nicholas Turner

Notes to editors

Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education funding bodies, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.

The seven UK Research Councils are:

• Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
• Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
• Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
• Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
• Medical Research Council (MRC);
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
• Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).