Have your say on LU’s REF Code of Practice

We have received the following invitation from colleagues working on our new REF Code of Practice. The implications of REF are clearly important for both the institution and individuals. Consultation over previous schemes has been constructive and worthwhile, and we urge you to get involved.

Loughborough University is developing its Research Excellence Framework (REF) Code of Practice (CoP), which all UK Higher Education Institutions participating in the REF are required to produce. The Code of Practice sets out how the University will make robust, transparent and inclusive decisions about its REF submission, including the selection of research outputs.

The development of the Code of Practice provides an important opportunity to share information about Loughborough’s REF submission and to invite feedback from staff on REF decision making processes. A REF Code of Practice consultation period will run from 2 March until 3 April 2026 which provides several opportunities to engage as follows.

Hybrid Briefing Sessions:

Find out more about the REF Code of Practice, ask questions and provide feedback in-person or online at a hybrid briefing session hosted by Prof Karen Coopman (aPVC R&I) & Emma Allaway (REF Manager).

  • Thursday 5 March, 10:30 – 12:30, James France CC021/Microsoft Teams – Click here to book
  • Monday 9 March, 13:30 – 15:30, Sir Frank Gibb RT033/Microsoft Teams – Click here to book

Drop-in sessions:

Ask questions and provide feedback directly to the RIO REF Team at an in-person or online at a drop-in session.

  • Tuesday 24 March, 13:00 – 16:00, Hazlerigg 201.0.25/Microsoft Teams
  • Wednesday 1 April, 09:00 – 12:00, Hazlerigg 201.0.25/Microsoft Teams
  • Book a 15-minute time slot here

The draft REF Code of Practice document and an online feedback form to capture structured feedback (anonymous) are available on the REF webpages.

We welcome and value your feedback and contributions which will play a key role in shaping this important document ahead of its submission.

If you have any questions about the REF Code of Practice, the consultation process, or REF more broadly, please contact: REF team or Emma Allaway, REF Manager.