Job Title: Head of REF and Research SupportGrade: 9Responsible to: Dean of Research & Knowledge ExchangeOverall PurposeThis is both a strategic and operational post at the University of Northampton. The successfulapplicant will work closely with the Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange to plan andcoordinate the submission to REF2029 and any subsequent research exercise. They will also leadand continue to develop and build a dynamic research support team and the processes in supportof this to enable our researchers to maximise their potential.The post will involve at an operational level ensuring support is in place for all aspects of research,including programmes of training and development, management of the Universities REF(Research Excellence Framework) submission, funding support and have oversight of key researchpolicies. This includes line management of the Research Support team, management of theUniversity's current research information 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 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 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
Head of REF and Research SupportPage 2 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 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, 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.
• The job description may be altered at any time in the future in line with the level of the post to
meet changing institutional requirements, but only in full consultation with the post holder.

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 Experience of working on previous REF submissions Essential Application Presentation 7 Knowledge of The University of Northampton and its Faculties, Desirable Presentation Institutes and Departments Interview Knowledge of recent trends and developments in research Application 8 support and research repository systems Essential Presentation Interview 9 Demonstrable experience of working with Information Essential Application Technology (particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Presentation 10 Experience of designing and delivering teaching and/or training Essential Application activities (including online and blended learning) Interview Proven ability to research, analyse, summarise and clearly 11 present complex numerical data and information for a range of Essential Application audiences Application 12 Excellent project management skills Essential Presentation Interview, 19 Excellent communication (written/verbal) skills Essential Application Presentation Application 20 Numerate and capable of manipulating statistical data Essential Presentation Interview 21 Ability and willingness to learn and enhance own skills and Essential Application competences Interview 22 Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple ongoing Essential Interview activities effectively 23 Ability to provide evidence of a creative and positive approach to Essential Interview problem-solving 24 Ability to work independently and as part of a small team Essential Interview 25 Ability to use own initiative and to work without direction Essential Application Interview 26 Ability to undertake occasional travel and to work outside Essential Application 'normal' business hours 27 Excellent organisational skills in managing a complex environment Essential Application Interview