Preparing for ‘My Development’ rollout in PeopleXD

• Introducing a new CDR question set, based on a review of existing CDR forms used across the University
• Supporting researchers in completing their CDRs annually and logging their professional development time, which can be recorded throughout the academic year
• Enabling HR teams to report on CDR completion and professional development time uptake

The rollout will follow a wave-based approach. Departments, units, faculties and administrative areas will be grouped into waves based on their preparedness and existing CDR recording processes. Rollout will start in Michaelmas Term 2024. 

Our project team will work with individual HR teams to manage the preparatory steps for the rollout, including: 

• Engagement and timeline confirmation: The project team will confirm readiness and address queries. We will work with you to agree suitable go-live times. 
• Initial data preparation: HR will complete a review to ensure that the researchers have been correctly assigned.  
• Researcher groups: Assistance with ensuring that all researchers are assigning and have the relevant and appropriate managers for their CDR. 
• Training and communications: The project team will provide guidance for HR administrators, reviewers, and researchers on the new functionality, along with communication materials to cascade more widely within your departments. 

The project team will offer support throughout all stages. 

Training, guidance, and briefings will be shared as the rollout progresses.  

Additional guidance on ‘good practice’ for CDRs and what researchers may consider professional development time is available from the Researcher Hub webpage. 

The FAQs below relate to the rollout plans only. Questions relating to the system functionality and processes are answered on the corresponding HR Systems guidance pages, as referenced above.  

1. How can my department get involved? 

Please contact the project team at researchercareerpathwayproject@it.ox.ac.uk for further information or to become an early adopter. 

2. Why is this being aimed at researchers only? 

The scope of this project is limited to CDRs for researchers, aimed at supporting the implementation of the University’s Charter for the Career Development of Researchers. We understand that departments may be interested in having a digital solution for recording PDRs and Probation reviews for all staff, but this is outside the scope of this project.  

3. What impact will this have on my department? 

Researchers will be able to log their CDRs and professional development time through HR Self-Service, allowing them to track their progress and maintain records for future reference and reporting. This will be particularly useful for initiatives like the next Research Excellence Framework, as well as for funders who are placing a greater emphasis on improving researcher culture across the sector. Additionally, this feature will help departments meet the requirements of both the Charter and Researcher Development Concordat.  

4. Can we use this functionality if we conduct PCDRs for our researchers? 

Yes, we plan to enable the recording of PCDRs (combined PDR and CDR) within ’My Development’ for researchers who follow this process. During the information-gathering stage, the project team will work with departments to understand current practices and ensure that PCDRs can be accommodated for researchers.  

5. Do we have to adopt this system?  

All departments that do not currently have a digital system for managing CDRs are expected to adopt this feature. Central support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition and assist with any troubleshooting. For departments using alternative digital systems, we encourage exploring the advantages of moving to PeopleXD/HR Self-Service. Departments interested in transitioning will receive full support throughout the process.