The University of Warsaw was granted “HR Excellence in Research” award. It completed requirements and implemented the principles underlying the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Two documents – the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers were published by the European Commission in 2005. They include recommendations for member states of the European Union. Their aim is to create an attractive and open labour market for researchers within the European Union.

The “HR Excellence in Research” award given by the European Commission, acknowledges progress in aligning research institutions’ HR policies with the principles set out in the Charter and Code. As a result, acknowledged institutions can promote themselves as providers of stimulating and favourable working environments. Since July 2016, the University of Warsaw can use the “HR Excellence in Research” logo.

Implementation of the principles of the European documents at the UW

The implementation procedure of the principles underlying the Charter & Code lasted 2 years. In July 2014 Prof. Marcin Pałys, Rector of the University of Warsaw, established the Committee for the European Charter for Researchers and of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. One month later, signed the Declaration of endorsement of the European Charter of Researchers and the Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers. The Committee members conducted an audit of the internal regulations and procedures – they checked the compatibility between university’s regulations and European standards. In conjunction with the Centre for Education Quality Evaluation, they prepared the survey aimed to employees and doctoral students. Based on the internal analysis, including the survey results and the appraisal by the Committee for the Charter and the Code, the Committee prepared HRS4R and an action plan. It identifies areas in which actions are to be carried out in order to decrease the discrepancy between the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and the existing situation at the UW.

“HR Excellence in Research” award obligates the UW to continue improvement of the HR policies with the principles set out in the Charter and Code. After 2 years the University will conduct the self-assessment within the framework of its existing internal quality assurance mechanism. After 4 years the external evaluation has to be done. Experts authorized by the EC will conduct it. Maintaining  the “HR Excellent in Research” award depends on the evaluating outcomes.