REF 2029 Code of Practice approved
15 Oct 2026
Our Research Excellence Framework (REF) code of practice and a short summary of the key points are available – find out more.
The University’s Code of Practice for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) has been approved by Research England and is available for all staff to read.
A short summary of the key points is also available.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers (HEIs) and outcomes are used to inform the allocation of around £2 billion per year of public funding for universities’ research. It is of considerable reputational and financial importance to the university, and to all disciplinary areas.
What is the REF 2029 Code of Practice?
The Code of Practice outlines how the University will make key decisions in preparing its REF 2029 submission and sets out the principles of transparency, robustness, equality, diversity and inclusion that will underpin this work. The REF 2029 submission will be made in autumn 2028.
Ahead of approval by Research England, the Code of Practice was approved by the University’s REF 2029 Project Board, Research Committee, Senate AQSC, and University Executive. Consultation included all staff with any responsibility for the REF submission, the academic leads for EDI, and the Trade Union Negotiating Group (TUNG). Equality Impact Assessments were completed and approved for all major REF processes.
How is REF 2029 different?
REF 2029 introduces significant changes from previous exercises and has a greater focus on assessing institutions and research units rather than individuals. There will not be a list of eligible staff who are ‘submitted’ to the REF. Instead, HESA data already collected will be used to determine how many outputs and impact case studies we need to submit for assessment by the REF panels. Outputs are ‘decoupled’ from staff, and there will be no minimum number of outputs an individual researcher needs to submit.
What do I need to do?
For most staff, the REF Code of Practice is for information only. Staff are encouraged to read the short summary of the key points to increase their awareness of activities the University will be undertaking over the next two years.
For those involved in REF preparations (such as UoA leads, RRE reviewers, and relevant PS staff), the Code of Practice is an important guide. REF-specific EDI and unconscious bias training has been developed and will be available for colleagues involved in REF decision-making. Further information on this training will be available shortly.
Can I appeal any decisions?
The Code of Practice outlines how we will make decisions on which contracts are eligible to be included. All ‘academic teaching and research’ contracts are included, as are all ‘research-only’ contracts that meet the REF 2029 definition of ‘research independence’. These decisions relate to contracts, not staff, and do not affect career development, access to opportunities, or how individuals are viewed by the University.
However, research-only staff who believe information held by the University about their HESA status is incorrect, or who feel the published procedures have not been followed, may appeal their research independence classification between September 2026 and March 2027. Details of the appeals process are contained within the full Code of Practice (Part 3, Section 3). Staff can seek advice from their Faculty REF Manager in the first instance.
Where can I get more information?
For queries concerning any aspect of the REF Code of Practice, or for general information concerning the University’s REF preparations, please contact your Faculty REF Manager in the first instance:
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health: FBMHResearchReviewExercise@manchester.ac.uk
- Faculty of Humanities: FHumsRRE@manchester.ac.uk
- Faculty of Science and Engineering: FSE.RRE@manchester.ac.uk
The Research Strategy Team in the Directorate of Research and Business Engagement (RBE) can be contacted at: