Maternity leave and the REF

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) team held a consultation on the REF draft panel criteria and working methods that closed on 5 October 2011. The REF team today (28 October 2011) announced an early decision on the arrangements for taking account of maternity leave in the REF.

The REF team said:

'An overwhelming majority of respondents to the consultation supported the proposal that researchers may reduce the number of outputs in a submission by one, for each period of maternity leave taken during the REF period.

In light of the response, the funding bodies have decided that this approach will be implemented across all panels.

Further details of these arrangements, including arrangements for paternity and adoption leave, will be published as part of the final REF panel criteria and working methods, in January 2012.'

ECU response

ECU welcomes this decision, which reflects our response to the initial consultation.

Ellen Pugh, senior policy adviser covering gender, said:

'This is a significant step towards recognising the impact of pregnancy and maternity on women's careers and will help to ensure that more women are included in REF submissions. Inclusion in the REF can have significant implications for career progression and promotion.'

Further information

• Full statement from the REF team, 28 October 2011

• ECU response to the REF consultation

• Research Excellence Framework and equality - materials for panels, sub-panels and units of assessment