Ensuring the success of our REF2029 submission is hugely important for the University. It will have a significant impact on allocation of research funding by the UK funding bodies along with our standing in rankings and league tables.
In turn this influences our ability to attract undergraduate and postgraduate students and the strategic partnerships we make and build.
As further guidance has been released for REF 2029 there is renewed focus on one of the key deliverables for the University REF submission, the Code of Practice (CoP).
Along with colleagues across academic departments and professional services we have been working on a draft CoP. We need to build on the progress made so far in readiness for submission of the final version of the document in Spring 2026.
Purpose of the CoP
The CoP will document the key processes relating to REF and detail who and how the University will make decisions relating to what will be included in our REF2029 submission.
The document will detail the key policies and procedures that will support the following:
- Robustness – ensuring that the REF submission accurately reflects the University’s research activities
- Transparency – for staff on how decisions relating to the submission are made, and to see that it is a fair process for all
- Equity and Inclusion – ensuring the University submission is fair and impartial and reflects diversity of both people and our research
Why we need your input
Your feedback will help ensure that the contents represent the views of the research community and wider University stakeholders.
It will be invaluable in ensuring that the CoP is a true representation of the processes and decision making that the University will follow and that these are robust, fair, equitable, inclusive and transparent.
How to get involved
Over the coming months the draft CoP will be overseen by the REF Strategy Steering Group and will be reviewed by Staff Experience Advisory Board, Research Culture Steering Group, EDI Committee, University Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and then approved by UEB and Senate.
We will be seeking views from colleagues across the University on the draft CoP before it is finalised. We will share the draft CoP with you in the New Year and you will have an opportunity provide your views in several ways, including at briefing events and via an all-staff survey.
Briefing Events
We are planning to hold briefing events in early 2026 where we will provide an update on the progress of REF2029 preparations and answer any questions you may have relating to the Code of Practice or any aspect of REF2029.
Dates for the events are being finalised; these will be shared along with the draft CoP in the New Year. Please do check back to these pages and look out for communications.
All-staff survey
To ensure that everyone is given an opportunity to contribute, we will issue an all-staff survey requesting feedback on the draft CoP.
This will be circulated via email, you will also be able to access it here once it is live.
Further information
- For up-to-date information from the REF Team at Research England, visit: REF 2029
- For any questions please email the University REF team: ref@bath.ac.uk