Individual Staff Circumstances Panel

This panel will consider all cases of individual staff circumstances (both clearly defined and complex) and advise the College and Faculty REF Steering Groups on any reductions in outputs that may be submitted without penalty.

Membership of the Panel

• Director or Deputy Director Human Resources (Chair)
• Human Resources Manager
• College Secretary or their nominee
• A senior academic with REF experience who is not involved in the selection of staff on academic grounds
• Director of Research and Enterprise or their nominee

Deciding on reduced outputs

The Panel will implement the tariffs published by HEFCE on reduced outputs for staff with clearly defined individual circumstances. The Panel will review and come to a decision on any reductions on outputs for staff with complex individual circumstances. As a reference, the Panel will use the Complex Circumstances Case Studies| published for this purpose by HEFCE.  The Panel will use information supplied in the Individual Staff Circumstances Disclosure form to draw up the statements required for REF1b: a maximum of 200 words clearly defined circumstances and 300 words maximum for complex individual staff circumstances.

Informing staff of decisions

The Panel will then inform staff of their decision regarding any reduction in submitted outputs along with the text of the proposed statements. Staff will then have a two week period toappeal the decision of the Panel|. The Faculty Dean and UoA REF Leads who are responsible for the REF submission for the UoA for the staff member will be informed on the Panel’s decision but not of any information on the nature of the individual circumstances. 

For more information, see section H of the College REF Code of Practice