Looking after you - resources for researchers

Here researchers can find a range of resources to support their own wellbeing

In 2021, the University of Oxford signed the Concordat to support the career development of researchers. The University aims to fulfil the three objectives outlined in the Concordat action plan - Concordat to Support Career Development of Researchers: Action Plan 2022-2025:

1. Creating a research environment that is supportive, inclusive, and equitable ​

2. Recognising and valuing the diverse contributions of researchers ​

3. Supporting researchers to achieve a range of career goals 

For more details on what this means to you, please take a look at the following pages: ​

​Use the following sections to explore the support and resources available to you at the University.

Researchers are encouraged to investigate the support available to them on the Support for researchers pages.​

​Research Services and Research Accounts work with colleagues in the academic divisions and departments, Oxford University Innovation and University Administration and Services (UAS) to provide comprehensive support to researchers across the research lifecycle. More information can be found on the Research Support pages.

 

The Researcher Hub would like to draw your attention to the following: ​

  1. Prioritise your self care: The Researcher journey is depicted in a trailmap that identifies opportunities for self care throughout your time at the University.

  2. Connect with others: Non-stipendiary College Associations are one way you can expand your social circle and engage with the wider collegiate research and teaching community.​

  3. Seek support where needed: Your local researcher reps can signpost you to support and wellbeing initiatives within your Departments.

  4. If you are a researcher and a mother who is interested in receiving support from a professional and from your peers, please get in touch with Eleanor eleanor.pritchard@socsci.ox.ac.uk   Areas covered include self-care, and professional or career development. 

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The Researcher Hub was formed to support all researchers on fixed term research or teaching contracts. Their Welcome to Oxford page contains all the information you need when starting as a researcher at Oxford. The Hub also contains information on all the support available for researchers including support and teaching available in each Division.

The University Careers Service offers bespoke support for staff on fixed term research or teaching contracts. ​

​If you have moved to Oxford with your family, the Oxford University Welcome Service is available to provide all the information you require. The Newcomers’ Club aims to provide you and your family with social support in this new environment. 

The Social Sciences Division has compiled a very extensive library of information and advice around fieldwork.​

​Information on the responsibilities of staff, students and, specifically, supervisors during fieldwork, as well as the practical steps that individuals should take in planning and then carrying out their fieldwork can be found on the Safety Office website.

Fieldwork supervisor training (e-Learning)

This new training package has been developed by the Safety Office to support supervisors of students and staff involved in fieldwork and overseas travel across all academic divisions. Whilst the training is framed for supervisors, it is also suitable for fieldworkers themselves, as much of the information covered is equally applicable (for example travel safety tips, planning, preparation, risk assessment, University processes and scenario based learning (from real experiences of Oxford researchers).

The training is accessed from the Safety Office training website. Direct links to the modules are:

Safe Fieldwork & Overseas Travel (core module – suitable for all)

Working with Human Participants (optional module 1)

Outdoor / Environmental Fieldwork (optional module 2)

Leading Student Groups (optional module 3)

The Safety Office also runs a face to face fieldwork safety session for fieldworkers. Click on the link for future dates.

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Contact us

Wellbeing@admin.ox.ac.uk 

Meet the team

Frances Parkes – Wellbeing Programme Manager 

Dr Ruth Collins - Staff Mental Health and Skills Training Service Lead

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