The University, which has an ethos that sees contract researchers as employees rather than students, was nominated because of the world-leading reputation it has earned for handling its 1,100 contract research staff. In 1999 the University established an annual staff survey that has now been rolled out to 43 higher education institutions across the UK. It also has an excellent communication channel with its staff through an annual staff conference.

Dr Iain Cameron, Head of the Research Councils UK Careers and Diversity Unit, congratulated the University on its nomination, saying: “Our sponsorship of this award signals our commitment to helping research organisations improve the attractiveness of research careers, the quality of research training, and the employability of researchers.”

www.bris.ac.uk/personnel/researchstaff