The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies (Scottish Funding Council, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Department of the Economy Northern Ireland). Research England is a council within UK Research and Innovation. More Information can be found here: https://www.ref.ac.uk/
REF is a fast-moving exercise managing a wide range of policy areas, expert panel members that span all research disciplines and types of research outputs. Key to our success will be close team working and supporting each other through peak periods. Joining our team provides a great deal of opportunity to learn and develop.
Purpose:
Are you looking for a new challenge? An opportunity to work on a major, high-profile, project in a close-knit team and a fast-paced environment? Do you want to use your knowledge and skills in an agile way across a broad range of focus areas, learning new things and innovating along the way? Do you want to learn about the UKs different funding bodies, and work with some of the most highly respected people across the UKs research community? Then this may be the opportunity for you!
The REF Delivery Team is responsible for all administrative tasks throughout this complex, large-scale project. Key to the success of the REF project is team working, and while all members of the REF Delivery Team will have individual responsibilities, they will need to work together to support the delivery of key tasks during peak periods.
If you are looking for an opportunity to develop or consolidate skills and experience relating to managing multiple complex administrative tasks, supporting governance processes and building productive senior relationships, this could be for you.
Main outputs and activities:
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Develop and maintain a good general knowledge of the REF process and administrative requirements of the exercise, and report on progress to the senior colleagues as appropriate
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Proactively and effectively manage multiple complex diaries, making appropriate use of time and resources, taking advice as necessary
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Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels
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Plan meetings, visits and other events ensuring all details are confirmed and correct and that plans are within budget. Sometimes this will be for very large-scale events
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Organise all travel and accommodation
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Organise and circulate relevant papers, briefing notes and action notes for meetings. This may include agenda setting and minute taking as required
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Develop and maintain spreadsheets and databases as needed
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Support the delivery of the REF panel project, assisting the Panel Project Manager with large mail outs and data management
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Support the development of, and then administer, member recruitment processes for Assessment Panels, including circulating applications for review and producing and circulating appointment letters, tracking acceptances as required and then maintain up to date records of member information
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Act as a first point of contact for Panel and Advisory Group members administrative queries by telephone, email and occasionally in person and ensure members are well informed about all administrative arrangements (including meetings, accommodation, finance related tasks)
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Process panel member fees and expenses in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail as well as consistent tracking and record management. This may involve managing large volumes whilst balancing opposing priorities
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Liaise with panel members and secretariat staff on administrative issues and ensure effective provision of administrative support
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Share meeting information via the Panel Members Website or via email within an agreed timescale
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All members of the REF Administration Team will be responsible for responding to REF queries from our community. This requires building accurate knowledge of REF guidelines, criteria and procedures as these develop, and ensuring that enquiries are responded to accurately and in a timely manner, and that any issues or complex queries are escalated and responded to as appropriate.
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Model exemplary professional behaviours, including flexible, agile and collaborative working, leading by example.
