HR Excellence in Research
The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers and Action plan in the Warsaw University of Life Sciences based on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
The mission of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) is to serve the economic and intellectual development of Polish society with special emphasis on rural areas, the food industry, and the environment in a broad sense. The university is committed to maintaining the highest level of research, education, and implementation of research results. The basis of identity and the success of the university are values such as professionalism, attention to quality, diligence, and innovation.
Therefore, the signing of the declaration of support for the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, as one of the first twenty Polish universities, was not only applying the recommendations of the European Commission, but it was also the means to fulfill the mission of the university. SGGW fully recognizes the need to create attractive working conditions so that the scientists employed by the University are motivated to work actively, both in the domestic and international research environment, and that the university is seen by potential international scientists as a strategic partner for cooperation and an attractive place to work. Thus, SGGW will be able to create new, strong research teams and use modern research infrastructure to improve the quality of research and education, as well as increase international competitiveness. Thus, SGGW will accomplish its mission and implement its development strategy.
On 19 May 2017 The European Commission has awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” logo to SGGW.
Action taken before 2017 at the stage of applying for the HR Excellence in Research logo
- 13 of May 2015 – the Rector appoints the team responsible for preparing the Strategy for Human Resources Management for Scientists and Action Plan in Warsaw University of Life Sciences (the Team). The Team consists of the representatives of the Rector, Chancellor, and all groups of employees and doctoral students;
- September 2015 – the Team conducts an analysis of the rules and requirements indicated by the EC and CC;
- September-December 2015 – the Team conducts an analysis of existing national and SGGW internal regulations concerning the matters relevant to compliance with the EC and CC
- December 2015 – the Team prepares a survey to assess the extent to which SGGW staff consider that the rules of the EC and CC are implemented at the university.
- January-June 2016 – the above anonymous survey is conducted among university employees and Ph.D. students. The survey is sent to all employees and doctoral students, approximately 10% respond. The results are considered to be an addition to the internal analysis of existing national and SGGW internal regulations;
- July-August 2016 – the Strategy for Human Resources Management for Scientists and Action Plan in Warsaw University of Life Sciences are developed; it includes a list of recommendations that will help to obtain the HR Excellence in Research logo. The Strategy and Action Plan are created based on a Gap Analyses (the results of an internal analysis of existing national and internal SGGW regulations and survey results). In the above survey, the implementation of each EC and CC rule was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 5. Answers in the questionnaire: “0”, “1” and “2” were considered to be negative, and in the Action Plan three groups of activities were distinguished:
most urgent – rules compliance with which was evaluated as negative by more than 30% of answers (only 3 rules)
urgent – rules compliance with which was evaluated as negative by 16% to 30% of answers
less important (and not requiring action) – rules compliance which was evaluated as negative by less than 15% of replies. - 24 October 2016 – The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers and Action plan in the Warsaw University of Life Sciences based on the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers is adopted by the SGGW Senate
Implementation of activities under the Strategy in 2017-2021
As part of the implementation of HRS4R for 2017-2021, SGGW has undertaken a number of activities in accordance with the Strategy’s guidelines to support the academic community.
Appointed:
- Rector’s Representative for Equal Treatment
- Coordinators for Equal Treatment
- Rector’s Commission for Counteracting Discrimination
- Coordinators for the Gender Equality Plan
- Ombudsman for Bullying
- Rector’s Commission for Counteracting Bullying
- Rector’s Representative for Students with Disabilities
Adopted:
- The Policy of Equal Treatment and Counteracting Discrimination in Employment and Education at the SGGW – Regulation No. 140 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, dated December 31, 2021
- The Anti-Discrimination Standard of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) – Regulation No. 139 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences dated December 31, 2021
- The Gender Equality Plan for the Warsaw University of Life Sciences for the years 2022-2025 – Regulation No. 141 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences dated December 31, 2021
- Appendix to Regulation No. 31 of the Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, dated May 8, 2013, on the Policy for Counteracting Bullying at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences
Established:
WePoint: Welcome Information Package
Implemented:
Important documents and information
The academic and professional promotion process – Guidelines
HR Logo – Rector’s Report 2017-2023
Internal Review-Revised Action Plan 2022-2025
Internal Review-Revised Action Plan 2019-2021
Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) Checklist
Good practices leading to implementation of OTM-R Policy at Warsaw University of Life Science – SGGW
More information:
European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers
Action 1A
ACCESS TO CAREER ADVICE
Dissemination of the information system:
Action 2A
Teaching
Action 2A.1
Introduction of a system of teaching load reduction for staff members with strong involvement in research.
Action 3B
CO-AUTHORSHIP
Develop strategies for practices and procedures for the recognition and the use of co-authorship in cooperation with the Commission for Science, Implementation and Dissemination of Knowledge
Action 4B
FINANCING AND REMUNERATION
Actions to encourage increased scientific activity of university faculty are planned – by creating a strong science support office
Action 5B
Recruitment
Preparation of a document in Polish and English informing about the rules for employment of researchers, as well as facilitating access for groups in a more difficult position or scientists returning to their scientific careers.
Action 9B
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Preparing career development strategies for researchers at every stage of their careers.
- Training provided by the Section of International Research Projects
Term
TOPIC
Program
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Presentation
25/10/2017
The COST program – training for Faculties
14
22/11/2017
The COST program – training for the Faculty of Economics
13/06/2018
The COST program – training for Faculties
The MSCA_IF program
25
12/12/2018
The COST program and HR Logo-training for Faculties
29
10/04/2019
Planning the scientific development path*
20
*Training also provided by the REGIONAL CONTACT POINT of the EU Research Programme Centre
- The training provided by the Section of International Research Projects and International Relations Office
Term
TOPIC
Program
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Presentation
21/11/2018
Development of scientific career -opportunities for PhD students in international research and didactic projects
44
28/03/2019
International research programs – training for Ph.D. students of SGGW
15
Action 10B
CONTINUATION OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT
ACTION 10B.2
Updating and expanding the employees’ skills and qualifications (trainings, workshops, conferences and online courses) and introducing corrective mechanisms
Term
TOPIC
Program
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Presentation
07/12/2018
“BECOME AN EXPERT EVALUATING APPLICATIONS IN HORIZON PROGRAM 2020 – workshops in a computer lab”
7
Organisation: Section of International Research Projects, conducted by: Regional Contact Point of the EU Research Programme Centre
Action 12B
Intellectual property rights
Action 12B.1
Dissemination of information on the existing regulations.
Action 14B
COMPLAINTS/APPEALS
Action 14B.1
Dissemination of information on the existence of complaint procedures and the functioning of the Mobbing Spokesperson and the Disciplinary Officer.
Action 15B
MOBILITY VALUE c
Action 15B.1
Include in the career development strategy and the employee assessment system the need to recognise all types of mobility (international, sectoral, interdisciplinary, virtual, etc.).
Action 22B
RESPONSIBILITY
Conducting a series of training courses or developing instructions to researchers on the need for researchers to comply with the principles of careful, transparent and efficient financial management and cooperation with any bodies authorized to scrutiny their research
Training organized by the International Research Projects Section, conducted by: Regional Contact Point of the EU Research Programme Centre
Term
TOPIC
Program
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Presentation
14/05/2018
Horizon 2020 projects – how to implement in SGGW – training for all faculties
31/10/2018
Financial training for the administrative services of entities participating in Horizon Program 2020, management of MSCA projects