LF MU is a proud holder of the HR Award
Our Faculty has received the HR Excellence in Research Award certification, which is awarded by the European Commission to research institutions that guarantee current and potential employees a professional, open and ethical work environment.
On 23rd April 2021, our Faculty received the HR Excellence in Research Award certification, which is awarded by the European Commission to research institutions that guarantee current and potential employees a professional, open and ethical work environment by implementing HRS4R strategy (The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers). The Faculty hereby undertakes to regularly demonstrate that it fulfils the conditions for quality human resources management according to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
The analysis of the compliance of practice at the FM MU with the requirements of the Charter and the Code, and the creation of an Action Plan for the FM MU, for the next 5 years was carried out by the HR Award Working Group. These documents were approved by the management of the FM MU and are in line with the long-term direction of the Faculty. Researchers and academics had the opportunity to actively participate through workplace meetings and a questionnaire survey, which took place in 2020. The entire process and work to improve working conditions and working environments takes place under the methodological management of the Vice-Dean for Research, Ph.D. Studies and Institutional Development FM MU, prof. MUDr. Tomáš Kašpárek, Ph.D., and Mgr. Petra Voráčová, MBA, HR Award Manager. Preparations began in 2018 with the support of Dean Bareš and continued as one of the main development points of Dean Repko's program statement.
"We have more than two years of preparations behind us, not only working to meet the certification requirements, but at the same time making immediate changes where possible and where we felt it was needed the most. For example, the Institute of the Research Group was formalised, a handbook on PGS was created and the Children's Group was established.” says Petra Voráčová. "Our goal is to make meaningful changes that will support academics and researchers in their development and create an inspiring and transparent environment for their career development. I am glad that we are succeeding thanks to the support of the Faculty and the University management.” she adds.
Conceptual work, which will be the basis for the necessary changes, is currently underway. "At the moment, we are setting up career paths at the Faculty, revising the Rules of the selection procedure with the aim of full implementation of the Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) methodology, evaluating the possibilities of introducing mentoring and preparing materials for the University's Gender Equality Plan, which will be necessary for applicants in various grant schemes in the near future. In cooperation with the Rector's Office, a revision of the Code of Ethics, recruitment and adaptation processes for new employees is also underway, and a University working group has been established to deal with the position of postdocs.” Petra Voráčová adds.
The next Meeting on Innovations in Science at the FM MU, which will take place on 17th June 2021 from 13:00 to 15:00 will be devoted to the prepared changes. "At this meeting, we will focus on supporting applied research and working groups that were established for the implementation of activities from the HR Award Action Plan and it is possible to participate in them. I hereby invite everyone to participate." says Vice-Dean Kašpárek. More information about the meeting will be communicated in advance and will also be available in the Faculty calendar of events.
After two years, the Faculty will undergo an internal evaluation, together with a revision of the HR Excellence Award Action Plan. Then, in 2026, an external assessment will take place by the representatives of the European Commission, who will visit the Faculty in person.
Many thanks to all of you who participated in the preparations for the HR Excellence Award certification and devoted your time and energy to improving working conditions at FM MU. We also invite you all to cooperate further within the ten thematic working groups during the implementation period.
