Academic Career and Reward Framework

On 4 December, the ACRF Steering Group approved the consultation and implementation timeline for the framework. The Conference of Colleges is setting up a working group to examine the college-related implications of the framework.   

An overview of the ACRF was presented to Divisional representatives or Divisional Boards for feedback (presentation to MSD will take place on 14 January 2025). These consultations were followed by deep dive sessions for divisional representatives from November to mid-December, focusing on the development of promotion criteria relating to Research, Education, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in HE, and Citizenship. 

The ACRF Steering Group considered the first draft of the Oxford Academic Careers Framework, which incorporated feedback from the summer deep dives held with the Group, and from consultations with select Heads of Department. It also reviewed an initial mapping of the current staff population to the framework, and policy implications. Approval to seek wider feedback was given. 

Draft pathway framework being developed, ready for review by the ACRF Steering Group in October 2024. The framework initially focuses on progression to and from the existing Associate Professor stage, and will set out expectations for each stage of the pathway

Insight from three focus groups on Academic Career Pathways independently analysed and discussed by the ACRF Steering Group 

Update on the emerging framework presented to the leadership team in the Department for Continuing Education 

Three staff focus groups held to gather further feedback and insight from colleagues to guide the development of Academic Pathways Framework models

Focus group participants drawn from a broad spread of teaching and research roles and contract types, across the divisions and disciplinary areas, including college staff

Introduced the overarching Academic Career and Reward Framework project, with a particular focus on the Academic Pathways Framework workstream, to relevant committees and groups, including Divisional Boards and Colleges

V1 of the draft Pathways Framework shared with the Steering Group for feedback

Following further consultation with individual members of the Steering Group, v2 of a draft Academic Pathways Framework presented to the Steering Group in February 2024

Feedback received on prioritisation, scope, and level of ambition

Presented v1 of the Academic Pathways Framework at Steering Group for feedback

External appointed to undertake international sector benchmarking of academic career pathways

Design principles, project timescales and milestones approved by Steering Group