In one of our occasional series of “Spotlight on…” posts, we take a closer look at a specific descriptor from the RDF. Each one of the sixty-three descriptors in Vitae‘s Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is a characteristic of an excellent researcher, and we’ll be looking at how UoB PGRs can develop these characteristics.
Research, and particularly postgraduate research, can be a lonely business. Each PGR is answering unique research questions. A lot of (if not all) day-to-day activity is carried out on an individual basis. So who are our colleagues? What should our relationship be with them? How might we develop that relationship? Does it even matter?
The RDF puts collegiality in domain D (engagement, influence and impact) and sub-domain D1 (working with others) and the phases for this descriptor are:
- Shows consideration to others; Listens, gives and receives feedback and responds perceptively to others.
- Is approachable, demonstrates interpersonal sensitivity; Ensures everyone has a shared understanding.
- Keeps people informed of wider institutional issues; Promotes collegiality, regardless of status; Engages in supportive peer review with colleagues.
- & 5. Exemplar for collegial behaviour in department/institution; Cascades knowledge; Solicits and attends to feedback from colleagues at all levels.
So far, so wishy-washy. The first couple of phases can be summed up by “don’t be a dick“, and then it sort of seems to say that you can be collegiate by being collegiate…
So I thought I might give you my interpretation of what it means to be collegiate as a PGR.
The single most important thing you can do as a PGR is to surround yourself with people. Support from others, in all its different forms, is going to make all the difference to you, through both your research and your wellbeing. But I think of collegiality as a specific part of this which has two key components. Firstly, it involves primarily that part of your network which surrounds you in your department or School. The people that might, in some contexts, be called “colleagues”. In the past, it might have been the people who share your office corridor, building or common room, but who may not seem immediately useful. Secondly, it is about reciprocity, so as much as you will benefit from having good working and social relationships with your colleagues, they will also benefit from you being an active part of their network. Collegiality is therefore part of creating and maintaining an effective, welcoming, and vibrant research culture and everyone can do their bit.
There are lots of ways that you can be collegiate in your area, including:
- Cultivate successful relationships with all the members of your supervisory team, including your mentor.
- Get involved in departmental activities, such as research seminars, and encourage others to do the same.
- If you can, spend time in your department on campus, working in a hot-desking room or shared PGR office.
- Meet up for coffee (virtually or in person) occasionally with the people around you and let the conversation go where it will. Take it as an opportunity to check in on someone’s wellbeing – ask twice.
- When you develop your skills, proactively think about how you can share your learning with others in your department.
- Look out for and participate in EDI initiatives such as the UoB LGBTQ Ally Scheme, or the Staff Networks, and again, share your learning within your department.
What does being collegiate mean to you? Who do you think of as your colleagues and how do you practice collegiality?
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