Background

The White Rose University Consortium works collaboratively across the universities of Leeds, Sheffield, and York, to enable individuals from all backgrounds to thrive within our institutions.  As a strategic partnership, we actively engage with institutional, regional, and national partners to propel positive change and create sustained impact.

The Consortium’s core principles are to add value, deliver practical solutions, and complement existing efforts across our institutions through: Empowering careers; strengthening communities; facilitating cultural shifts; amplifying our collective voice; and leading impactful change.

We support professional services colleagues and researchers from our partner universities, from postgraduate researchers and postdocs to fellows and academics.

One significant way we can add value is by supporting established researchers, a group that has not been previously targeted for resource development. Working with the Sheffield Established Researcher Forum and complementing work conducted by N8 and Eastern Arc, we are commissioning this project to co-create career stage-specific resources that can be accessed at point of need. These resources will be tailored to the context of established researchers at White Rose institutions but will be openly published on our website for the broader sector.

Project objectives

The Consortium is commissioning a project to ensure that the resources are collaboratively developed to meet the needs of established academics across the partner institutions. The objectives of this project are to:

Gather feedback on:

• The quality, accessibility, and overall relevance of current resources at each institution for established researchers.
• Perceived gaps in existing resources at each institution.
• Relevant and appropriate resources to address common gaps across the partners.
• The types of self-directed learning resources that should be developed.

 Identify priority areas:

• Generate a list of 6-8 priority areas, ranked in order of importance, where self-directed learning resources could be developed based on the project’s findings.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to support the development of resources, outlining key gaps and a strong rationale for each intervention.
• Produce a detailed outline of the resources that could be developed for each priority area.

Develop initial resources:

• In the first instance, develop self-directed resources in the top three priority areas.
• Ensure that the resources are developed based on the project’s findings and the needs identified by established researchers.
• Utilise a range of formats to support diverse learning styles, and ensuring the resources meet or exceed current accessibility guidelines.

Project remit

We are seeking to appoint a consultant(s) to undertake this project. Their remit will include:

1. Designing the study; choosing an appropriate methodology and research tools.
2. Undertaking all research (interviews, focus groups, surveys etc.) and all admin associated with the research process.
3. Analysing and evaluating data to identify the priority areas and topics for resource development in collaboration with established academics.
4. Presenting project findings in a written report of no more than 8 A4 pages, and present this to the White Rose Partners.
5. Develop resources based on feedback and the project findings in three priority areas.

Approach

This project is anticipated to be nominally qualitative and can be conducted on a full or part-time basis between May to December 2025. A budget of up to £25,000 is available for this project (including expenses and VAT).

It is envisaged that the project will involve consultations across Leeds, Sheffield, and York with:

• Established researchers
• Colleagues from resource/training providers
• Heads of Departments/Schools
• Deans and Vice-Deans

Reporting

The research consultant(s) will report directly to the Head of the White Rose University Consortium. The successful bidder will be fully briefed at the initial project meeting but will be expected to provide their own administrative support and work autonomously to complete the project.

The research consultant(s) will meet regularly with the Head of the White Rose University Consortium to report progress.

Timescale

Format and submission of proposals 

The White Rose University Consortium is offering this as a commissioned project. If you would like to submit a quote, please set your proposal out in no more than 2 sides of A4. Please include:

• an outline of the proposed methodology
• evidence of resource development
• a work plan and timeline for project delivery
• a budget, brief justification of resources and demonstration of value for money

Please also include a 2-page CV (one per consultant, if applicable), and the contact details of two referees with your application.

Please submit your application to info@whiterose.ac.uk by 12.00pm Monday 28 April. 

Evaluation of proposals

The consortium will evaluate proposals based on the following equally-weighted criteria:

1. 1. Exhibits a clear understanding of the project requirements
   2. Provides evidence of delivering high-quality research and evaluation
   3. Demonstrates ability to generate evidence-based recommendations
   4. Experienced in developing user-friendly resources.
   5. Offers value for money.

Terms and conditions

The White Rose University Consortium will appoint an external consultant subject to the University of York’s Terms and Conditions of contract.

This request for proposals has been issued in good faith however the White Rose University Consortium, a part of the University of York, does not commit itself to award a contract as a result any particular Proposal received.

Enquires

The point of contact regarding this project is:

Dr Karen Hinxman
Head, White Rose University Consortium
Email: k.hinxman@whiterose.ac.uk

Any requests for clarification or information should be sent to the email above.