Apply to be part of our External Advisory Board

Become a catalyst for change in research supervision.

Our ambition is for the RSVP project to have global reach. To achieve that we need a diverse, external board who can advise us on how to enable sustainable supervisor engagement in professional development and to effect culture change. We are looking for input from a variety of people with different skill sets, experience and ability to influence.

Why join our External Advisory Board (EAB)?

Becoming a member of the RSVP EAB, offers several key benefits:

Who are we looking for?

We are actively looking to increase diversity and input to the project from a range of stakeholders in doctoral education, supervision and research. We are looking for UK and international representation across both industry and higher education. In particular, we are looking for representation from:

• Academic staff and early career researchers

• Human resources (HR) and staff development and career professionals (for example, HR management and practice, workforce adjustments and disability, recruitment, talent development, employee engagement, staff performance, career frameworks and progression)

• Communication and policy specialists

• Industry professionals in research and development roles (including creative industries)

NB: To ensure that the doctoral researcher voice is central to the project, we will be setting up a separate Doctoral Researcher Forum.

Selection criteria

We will assess expressions of interest based on the following criteria:

• EDI commitment: Evidence of demonstrating a commitment to making progress on EDI, and experience of improving outcomes through collaborative and responsive approaches

• Innovative problem solving: A willingness to challenge and provide solutions to barriers around engagement to continuing professional development (CPD)

• Experience in doctoral education: Knowledge and experience of influencing doctoral education through policy, practice or pedagogy (at least one area)

• Network and influence: Ability to share best practice within the higher education sector and/or industry to improve practice, support more inclusive approaches and open doors to other professions and industries (e.g networks with whom you can influence and cascade)

Beyond a commitment to EDI, we don’t expect applicants to meet all of the criteria but to demonstrate expertise/experience in some areas to highlight varying strengths.

Applications for the position of Chair are also asked to include evidence of experience in facilitating discussions with a wide range of people, and in representing the voice of stakeholders in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Expectations for engagement

Members will be expected to read papers in advance and attend two three-hour meetings per year on Zoom. Where possible, invitations will also be extended to in-person meetings but there are no expectations for members to attend these.

Remuneration

We will offer £100 per meeting for members and £200 for the chair.

Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

RSVP strives to be diverse and inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented on the project. We also encourage applications from women for senior roles. Your unique perspectives and experiences are vital to the success of our project.

Submit your application to become part of the RSVP External Advisory Board and help us to create a more inclusive future for research supervision.

Download application form

Download information for applicants

Application deadline: Monday 16 September