REF2014 Appeals Process

REF2014 Appeals Process

The Appeals Process is for members of staff who wish to appeal against the University's decision not to select them for submission to REF2014.

The criteria for the selection of staff for submission to REF2014 is set out in the University’s Code of Practice on the selection of staff for REF which has been approved by HEFCE.  The Code also sets out the procedures for staff to appeal against a decision not to select them.

We would hope to resolve any issues staff might have with their non-selection through informal discussions. Please therefore ensure that you have spoken with your Unit of Assessment lead (see below)and/or your Head of Institute/Department before submitting a formal appeal. If, however, any issues cannot be resolved and you wish to appeal against this decision then you must submit to the Appeals Process by completing the Appeals Form.

Grounds for Appeal are as follows:

  1. Exclusion based on personal protected characteristics – relating to age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or recently given birth.
  2. Failure to take into account fully the impact of work pattern or absence according to the guidance given by HEFCE.
  3. Inappropriate application of the criteria of the Code of Practice.
  4. Inappropriate application of the criteria as set out in the REF publications, Assessment framework and guidance on submissions and Panel criteria and working methods.

The following are NOT grounds for appeal:

  • Validity or standing of the University’s review process and judgements concerning individual staff’s research outputs.
  • University’s overall strategy for submission related to selection of Unit of Assessments (UoA) and the quality criteria for submission.
  • Allocation of individual’s research outputs to a specific UoA.

The completed form should be submitted to Gill Slater, Director of Personnel by 5pm Tuesday, 15th October 2013.       

Appeals will be heard by a Panel on Monday 21st October 2013.

The Panel will consist of:

  • Professor Geoffrey Elliott (Chair) (Member of the University Executive)
  • Professor Eleanor Bradley (A professor or other senior academic)
  • Jackie Musgrave (Nominee from the Diversity and Equality Committee)
  • Hilary Woodward (Deputy Director of Personnel)

You will be informed of the outcome of your appeal in writing by Wednesday 6th November 2013.

Units of Assessment Leads

  • UoA 3 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy -  Professor Dominic Upton/Professor Dawn Brooker
  • UoA 4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience - Professor Dominic Upton
  • UoA5 Biological Sciences - Professor John Newbury
  • UoA17 Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology - Professor Nick Evans
  • UoA19 Business and Management Studies - Professor Howard Cox
  • UoA25 Education - Dr Richard Woolley
  • UoA26 Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism - Louise Martin
  • UoA29 English Language and Literature - Professor Antonia Payne/Dr Andreas Mueller
  • UoA30 History - Professor Antonia Payne/Dr Paddy McNally
  • UoA34 Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory - Professor Antonia Payne
  • UoA35 Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts - Professor Antonia Payne/Dr Jane George