The University ECR Initiative follows the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers' which was launched in June 2006.
The Concordat sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders.
It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. The Concordat is an agreement between the funders and employers of researchers in the UK to manage researchers according to agreed principles, and to provide support for their career development.
By adopting its principles, the UK has also adopted the Code of Conduct for the recruitment of researchers specified by the European Charter for Researchers.
Principle 1
Recognition of the importance of recruiting, selecting and retaining researchers with the highest potential to achieve excellence in research.
Principle 2
Researchers are recognised and valued by their employing organisation as an essential part of their organisation's human resources and a key component of their overall strategy to develop and deliver world-class research.
Principle 3
Researchers are equipped and supported to be adaptable and flexible in an increasingly diverse, mobile, global research environment.
Principle 4
The importance of researchers' personal and career development, and lifelong learning, is clearly recognised and promoted at all stages of their career.
Principle 5
Individual researchers share the responsibility for and need to pro-actively engage in their own personal and career development, and lifelong learning.
Principle 6
Diversity and equality must be promoted in all aspects of the recruitment and career management of researchers.
Principle 7
The sector and all stakeholders will undertake regular and collective review of their progress in strengthening the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK.