Consultation following publication of Initial Decisions Document

Background and Summary

The four UK higher education funding bodies (Research England, SFC, HEFCW and DfE NI) are publishing key decisions on the high-level design of the next research assessment exercise and outlining issues for further consultation. These decisions represent a shift towards a broader and more holistic approach to research assessment. This survey is hosted by Research England (part of UKRI) on behalf of the four UK funding bodies Research Excellence Framework 2028: initial decisions and issues for further consultation | Jisc

A short briefing on REF2028 Initial decisions document and issues for further consultation is available from ERO website

Following the publication of these initial decisions, further work is required to develop the more detailed guidance and criteria. We are asked for feedback on survey on specific policy aspects rather on the whole document.

Use of responses to the consultation

The responses to this consultation will be considered by the boards (or equivalent) of the funding bodies in late-2023. Further decisions on the high-level design of REF 2028 will be announced in Winter 2023. UKREF will commit to read, record and analyse responses to this consultation in a consistent manner. It is intended that a summary of responses rather than the individual responses themselves will inform any decisions made. In most cases the merit of the arguments made is likely to be given more weight than the number of times the same point is made.

The funding bodies reserve the right to take into account the nature of the respondent in our weighting of the analysis.