Academic Career and Reward Framework

Workstream 1: Academic Pathways Framework

Aims

This workstream aims to develop a framework for academic career pathways at Oxford that maximises the quality and ambition of the University’s core missions of education, research, and impact by introducing transparent processes and criteria for career progression across a range of academic roles.

Deliverables

Phase 1: Develop and consult on the framework (in progress)    

  • Develop a framework for career progression that clarifies expectations for academic roles at different career stages; 
  • Consult with key stakeholders across the collegiate University, to include draft guidance for applicants and review panels.  

Phase 2: Implement the framework 

  • Schedule implementation across Divisions and Departments/Faculties, as determined in Phase 1;
  • Finalise guidance and resources for applicants and review panels. 

Progress

Date Update
December 2024 

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.   

Nov/Dec 2024 

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. 

29 October 2024 

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. 

June/July 2024

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

April/May 2024

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 

March 2024

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

Winter 2023/2024

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

October 2023

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

July 2023

External appointed to undertake international sector benchmarking of academic career pathways

May 2023

Design principles, project timescales and milestones approved by Steering Group

 

Contact us


Email academic.framework@admin.ox.ac.uk with any feedback on this webpage or input to this workstream

 

Workstream co-leads for the Academic Pathways Framework:

Dr Tanita Casci, Director, Research Strategy & Policy Unit  

Dr Jane Pritchard, Head of Educational Development, Centre for Teaching and Learning