Processes and Systems
This project will introduce effective and agile research support processes underpinned by a twenty-first century approach to data and systems through implementation of a system for managing research, innovation and consultancy projects.
Project aim
To elevate the Pre-Award and Post-Award experience for University colleagues enabling transparent sharing of accurate and timely information and minimise the effort required to meet statutory reporting and compliance obligations. Thus, increasing research income and reducing underspend on funded projects.
Scope and workstreams
The project will address:
- Applications (Pre-Award), project set up (Award) and Post-Award monitoring for research, innovation and consultancy projects
- Data and reporting capability and visibility for Schools for applications, awards and contracts
- Integration with the University Finance (Agresso) and HR (iTrent) systems
Timeline
We aim to complete this project during summer 2025.
Progress
After reviewing options, the University has procured Worktribe, a system solution to underpin our new improved processes.
Worktribe is well-established within the higher education sector and is a cloud-based software platform offering a suite of tools for seamless, end-to-end research and innovation management.
Initial procurement includes Pre-Award, Post-Award and Reporting products which will enable:
- Collaborative bid development
- Tools for integrated full economic costings
- Clear workflows from project creation to award
- Streamlined project management with spend tracking
- Real-time reporting and insights
Process and system changes will be carefully phased in over the coming 18 months.
Work on Phase 1 (Pre-Award) started in February 2024. Phase 2 (Post-Award) will commence at end 2024 / early 2025.
To support both phases, a series of working groups has been established to ensure our stakeholder communities are represented and engaged.
Working closely with the core project team in RIO, these groups will design how the new processes and practices, using the Worktribe software, are implemented.
Meet the Team
The team responsible for delivering this element of the Reimagining RIO programme is:
- Project Lead - Kathryn Gillingham (Head of Research Development)
- Project Manager - Emily Salmon
- Worktribe Project Lead - Mattie Lewis (Research and Innovation Support Manager)
- RIO Data and Systems Projects Officer - Paul Timms
- IT Project Manager - Jackie Hutchison-Connors