Head of REF and Research

Job Title: Head of REF and Research SupportGrade: 9Responsible to: Dean of Research & Knowledge ExchangeOverall PurposeTo lead and continue to develop and build a dynamic research support team within the Universityof Northampton that enables our Researchers to maximise their potential. Ensuring that supportis in place for all aspects of research support, including programmes of training and development,management of the Universities REF (Research Excellence Framework) submission and fundingsupport. This includes line management of the Research Support team, management of theUniversity's research management system and institutional repositories, research datamanagement, scholarly communications, copyright, funding, metrics/alternative metrics, impactand open research.Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• To lead on REF planning and support the Dean of Research & Knowledge Exchange in managing and
coordinating the University's REF return .
• To lead on key strategic decisions in support of any future research exercise and preparations
• To be responsible for the line management and leadership of the Research Support Team
• To lead the management and development of the University Research Management System and
other services in support of the Open Research agenda to meet internal and external requirements.
• To develop excellent knowledge and understanding of the current research environment and of
developments in the delivery of research support services
• To provide high-level strategic and operational support to the Dean of Research &
Knowledge Exchange, the Faculties and Research Institutes
• To lead and develop the staff supporting the institution's research exercise submission, alongside
supporting knowledge exchange activity.
• To lead on changes to, or improvements in, strategic approaches and service delivery to meet
researcher's needs
• To ensure that the strategic development of the institutions repositories and research
information system meets internal and external REF related requirements.
• To oversee the audits of REF outputs and to ensure that UON's REF submission is fully compliant
with the requirements of the exercise, and that effective records are maintained in case of external audit.
• To actively participate in external professional networks and groups to raise the profile of
research activity and services and advise on issues facing academics.
• To lead on collaborative work across the University with Faculty, Institute and professional service, staff where required, to operationalise and deliver the University's research and innovation
strategy, and to improve the quality and effectiveness of service provision.
• To assist the Dean of Research & Knowledge Exchange in assessing the University's overall
progress towards achieving research performance targets and to provide robust management research and data relating to research and knowledge exchange activity.
• To lead on the internal REF and research communication strategy
• To oversee the development and delivery of training sessions and guidance material for academic
and support staff concerning any future research exercise or wider external research requirements.
• To provide reports and business intelligence to the Dean of Research & Knowledge Exchange,
Faculty and University Research and Enterprise, Ethics and Degrees board Committees; other senior management and research staff to inform and support decision-making.
• To oversee research policies that ensure probity and compliance with UON regulations and
relevant regulations of external research bodies.
• To ensure that users of support can give feedback on the service and its provision; provide
leadership in the development and implementation of a programme of continuous improvement, mentoring and the professional development of staff across the Research Support team.Generic Duties and Responsibilities
• Manage performance and behaviour of all members of the Research Support team,
including the PDR and the Probation period
• Motivate the team effectively to ensure that team/departmental/ institutional targets are
met
• Empower all research support staff to identify opportunities and act on their own initiative
in promoting these across the institution
• Monitor leave and absence, monitor, and approve development opportunities.
• Communicate effectively and foster wellbeing across the team at all times
• Plan resources (human and capital) and manage all aspects of any Research Support
budget
• Undertake all aspects of recruitment
• Foster well-being
• The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all employment legislative
requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety issues
• Promote a positive health, safety and environmental culture and manage health and safety
performance
• To represent the Department on appropriate committees and working groups.
• The post holder will be expected to undertake other responsibilities and tasks as reasonably
requested by the Dean of Research & Knowledge Exchange
• The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all employment legislative
requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety issues

1 Good Honours degree or equivalent Essential Application 2 Evidence of continuing professional development Essential Application Interview 3 Relevant vocational/professional qualification and/or Desirable Application membership of a relevant professional body 4 MRes, PhD or equivalent Desirable ApplicationSkills, Knowledge and Experience 5 Experience of supporting research in HE Essential Application Presentation 6 Knowledge of The University of Northampton and its Faculties, Desirable Presentation Institutes and Departments. Interview Knowledge of recent trends and developments in research Application 7 support and research repository systems Essential Presentation Interview 8 Demonstrable experience of working with Information Essential Application Technology (particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Presentation Experience of delivering teaching and/or training activities Application 9 (including online and blended learning) Essential Presentation Interview Proven ability to research, analyse, summarise and clearly 10 present complex numerical data and information for a range of Essential Application audiences Application 11 Excellent project management skills Essential Presentation Interview 12 Participation in professional networks Essential Application 13 Evidence of ability and experience in budget management Desirable Application, 21 Excellent communication (written/verbal) skills Essential Application Presentation Application 22 Numerate and capable of manipulating statistical data Essential Presentation Interview 23 Ability and willingness to learn and enhance own skills and Essential Application competences Interview 24 Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple ongoing Essential Interview activities effectively 25 Ability to provide evidence of a creative and positive approach Essential Interview to problem-solving Ability to communicate information and to provide advice Application 26 to a diverse range of audiences including senior staff, Essential Presentation academic staff and business representatives Interview 27 Ability to work independently and as part of a small team Essential Interview 28 Ability to use own initiative and to work without direction Essential Application Interview 29 Ability to undertake occasional travel and to work outside Essential Interview 'normal' business hours 30 Excellent organisational skills in managing a complex Essential Application environment Interview 31 Persuasion and negotiation skills Essential Application Interview