BU Research Blog

Our BU REF 2029 Code of Practice states that in the event of an appeal, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor will convene and chair the BU REF Appeals Panel to undertake a review of each case. The role of the Panel is to: 

• Review and consider all appeals submitted by appraising all documentation pertaining to the REF/KEF Steering Group decision and the case for appeal. 
• Decide on whether or not an individual should be referred back to the REF/KEF Steering Group for further consideration. 
• Ensure final decisions are communicated to the Head of Research & Innovation Services (RIS) who will report to the REF/KEF Steering Group and notify the individual of the outcome of the appeal. 

The Panel is chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor with support from a member of RIS. Membership will include at least three senior academics. 

We are now seeking expressions of interest (EoI) from senior academic colleagues (Grade 10+) who are interested in joining the REF Appeals Panel. Successful applicants will be required to:  

• attend one or more meetings of the REF Appeals Panel (to be held annually in September from 2026 onwards) 
• have a thorough knowledge of the REF guidance and the BU REF Code of Practice, and undertake REF-focussed equality and diversity training 

We therefore ask for commitment, active contribution and, most importantly, confidentiality due to the sensitive work of the Panel. In return, members will be involved in an important cross-University committee, gain an insight into the REF and equality and diversity, and be engaged in academic citizenship. 

Eligibility to apply: 

Applications are invited from senior BU academic staff (Grade 10+). You must be independent from REF preparations, for example, applicants cannot be UoA Leaders, impact champions or output champions and cannot be members of the REF/KEF Steering Group. 

Application procedure: 

We are seeking to recruit a diverse group of at least six senior academics to potentially be called upon in the event of an appeal.

Colleagues who are interested should submit an EoI stating your interest in being a member of the BU REF Appeals Panel and summarising the experience, skills and attributes you could bring to the Panel (max 250 words). Your EoI should state your name, job title, Faculty and School. 

EoIs should be emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk 19 June 2026.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers who are responsible for agreeing on which applicants to invite to serve on the BU REF Appeals Panel. 

Please contact  ref@bournemouth.ac.uk with any queries.