Criteria surrounding eligibility, research output and portability for REF 2021 have now been announced, with the REF census date for staff with significant responsibility for research confirmed as 31 July 2020. This gives universities two and half years to prepare their strongest submission possible. Armed with this information, it is now essential for all universities to continue with their preparations for REF and to develop all staff in order to comply. REF criteria state that staff with significant responsibility for research are those for whom explicit time and resources are made available within contract to effectively engage in independent research activity leading to new ideas effectively shared.

Cloud Chamber, working with Professor John Sharp at Leeds Beckett University, a specialist in the area of lecturer self-efficacy with a focus on the professional development of knowledge, skills and expertise in research among staff, are interested in understanding the perceptions of research leaders, managers, academics and support staff regarding the levels of REF preparedness within their own departments and institutions. We are currently undertaking a short survey to gather views across the sector and would welcome your input, wherever in the sector you may be based. You can access the survey here. The research will provide an initial barometer for universities and departments to understand where, across the sector, development priorities and challenges are and therefore provide a point of comparison for your own university. Cloud Chamber will be available to discuss and explore the implications of the survey findings for your institution in more detail should you wish. We will release detailed findings of the survey on the Cloud Chamber Blog.

The survey will be open for responses until Friday 22nd December 2017. 

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* 1. Name of institution:

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* 2. What is your current role?

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* 3. How prepared do you think your institution is for REF 2021?

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* 4. Do you think you are more prepared or less prepared than other institutions?

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* 5. Which, if any, of the following research support services are available at your institution?

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* 6. How confident are you or your research colleagues in writing for academic publication?

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* 7. In your opinion, what do you consider the three most important factors facilitating/enabling the development of research for the REF within your institution to be?

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* 8. In your opinion, what do you consider the three most important factors blocking/inhibiting the development of research for the REF within your institution to be?

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* 9. Do you have additional support needs that might help you and your institution prepare for REF 2021?

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* 10. Would you like to receive the results of this survey, or have a discussion about your preparations for REF 2021?

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* 11. If so, please provide your contact information

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