Our Approach

What We鈥檙e Doing

The RPF project delivers a comprehensive programme of research, engagement, and sector-wide collaboration across our four interconnected work packages: Context, Competencies, Concepts and Culture.

Latest RPF Activity

The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project has recently been featured on the Research Adjacent podcast, offering a valuable opportunity to share 鈥�

RPF Programme Board holds inaugural meeting in Darlington

On the 15th of April, the Research Professional Futures (RPF) Programme Board convened for its inaugural meeting in Darlington, bringing members toget鈥�

WP1: Context

Understanding RP Roles Across the UK

Leads: Lorna Wilson & Steph Bales

This WP delivers the first comprehensive national audit of RP roles, services, structures, demographics, and competencies.

Activities include:

A National Commission
Qualitative research (focus groups, interviews, Delphi surveys)
Quantitative surveys across the sector

WP2: Competencies

Professional Development Framework

Leads: Steph Bales & Isabella von Holstein

This WP develops a sector鈥憌ide skills, behaviours, and career progression framework for RPs, hosted on a free digital platform.

Activities include:

The RP Professional Development Framework
Recruitment toolkit
Job description analysis via jobs.ac.uk

WP3: Concepts

A strand of funding is for RP communities

Leads: Isabella von Holstein & Rika Nair

This WP funds and pilots a portfolio of institutional and regional initiatives to enhance and futureproof RP roles, including emerging technologies and shared service models.

Activities include:

Funding pilot projects
Emerging developments (AI and shared services)
Support for RP communities, including those at an early stage of development
Sector鈥憌ide insight

WP4: Culture

The RP Blueprint

Leads: Rika Nair & Lorna Wilson

This WP develops a long鈥憈erm change strategy for embedding RP visibility, recognition, and progression across the sector.

Activities include:

Co-creation and testing of a practical 鈥淩P Blueprint鈥� consolidating frameworks, tools, survey data and case studies
Community of practice and workshops
National conference and awards

Outcomes and Impact

Provide the RP Community with clear career pathways and recognition as experts in research.
Institutions equipped to develop and sustain a skilled, motivated workforce ready for evolving research needs.
Sector enriched by a bank of innovative case studies and a blueprint for best practice and future ways of working.