We needed to improve on training, development and opportunities for progression

In 2024, we commissioned a bespoke RDM Leadership Programme, which provides support, guidance, and resources to empower individuals working in RDM to become better leaders.

We formed the RDM Academic Career Panel to improve transparency and consistency of decision-making for a number of career development-related processes. The ACP is responsible for assessing and making recommendations to RDM's Senior Leadership Team on career progression opportunities for early, mid and senior career academics, which includes reviewing applications to RDM Principal Investigator status, providing recommendations to the Medical Sciences Division for Associate Professor titles, and reviewing Fellowship applications. The panel also conducts mid-point fellowship reviews.

In November 2024 RDM relaunched the Career Development Committee (CDC), particularly focusing on recruitment of members from a range of staff groups across the Department. The CDC plays a key role in raising awareness of career opportunities across the Department, in providing training and support at key career transitions, and championing career development. The Committee will be working together with Charter Leads to consider how the Charter for Researchers can be implemented in RDM

RDM recruited two new Research Staff Representatives who provide vital links between research staff and departmental and divisional groups.

RDM has devised a new Intermediate Fellowship Framework to bring consistency and transparency to this process and support talented researchers to maximise their potential.