Dear colleagues,
Following our message of 8 February on the new Academic Promotion Policy and Procedure and Framework of Criteria, which you can see below, this is a reminder that briefing sessions to introduce the new Policy/Procedure and Framework are available for staff to attend, with the initial session taking place today. The dates are available below. Please use the booking system to book a place.
Briefing Session 1 – Introduction to the new Academic Policy/Procedure and Framework of Criteria
- 20th February: 12:05pm-12:55pm, KCG5, Old Aberdeen
- 21st February: 11:05am-11:55am, Microsoft Teams
- 8th March: 1:20pm-2:10pm, Room 402, Suttie Centre
Launch of the new Academic Promotion Policy/Procedure, Framework of Criteria and 2023 annual promotion exercise (8 February message to staff)
I am delighted to confirm the introduction of the new Academic Promotion Policy and Procedure and Framework of Criteria. This follows an extensive project, undertaken by the Promotion Review Working Group, over the last year and involving consultation with key groups and committees and including approval by Senate and PNCC. The input of staff through this consultation has been invaluable in helping to inform and shape the direction of the redesigned process.
The aim of the new process is to enable and support our academic staff to develop their careers and fully achieve their ambitions, by recognising and rewarding the wide range of academic activities that contribute to the achievement of Aberdeen 2040.
You will find more detail about the new Policy/Procedure and Framework of Criteria in the Academic Promotion Toolkit
Launch of the 2023 annual exercise
The new process will be used from the 2023 exercise onwards. Recognising that this involves a significant change from the current Promotion Policy/Procedure and criteria, an extended period has been allowed for between the launch of the process and the deadline for applications. This will allow more time for those wishing to prepare an application for promotion, and for everyone involved in supporting the new process, to familiarise themselves with the new approach. More detail about this can also be found in the Toolkit, but the key date for receipt of applications is 19 May 2023. The effective date of successful promotions will be August 2023 as normal.
Briefing Sessions
Briefing sessions to introduce the new Policy/Procedure and Framework of Criteria have been arranged to take place during February and March. There is then the opportunity to attend a further briefing session during March or April which will focus on preparing an application for promotion.
You will find details about the dates/times for these in the Toolkit (noting that some dates may be subject to change).
Additional information arising from the Review
Academic Career Tracks
As part of the work of the Promotion Review Group, it has been agreed that the nomenclature for the existing academic career tracks (Research, Teaching and Research, Teaching and Scholarship) will be maintained and that a new career track, Clinical Service, will be introduced. Clinical academic staff will be contacted with further information concerning options regarding this new track.
Research Job Titles
The Group also discussed feedback received from Research staff concerning job titles and, in particular, differentiating between the job title Research Fellow, currently applying to both Grade 6 and Grade 7. Following discussion, it has been agreed that the following job titles will apply - Research Assistant (Grade 5), Research Fellow (Grade 6), Advanced Research Fellow (Grade 7), Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8). Research staff impacted by this will receive documentation to confirm this change.
Further information
I would encourage you to review the information in the Academic Promotion Toolkit and to attend the briefing sessions. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact your Head of School/Academic Line Manager. You can also direct questions to Tracey White, Senior HR Partner (twhite@abdn.ac.uk) or the HR Adviser/Partner for your School.