Supervisor code of practice

Before agreeing to supervise a student, supervisors should satisfy themselves that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to supervise the project which the student wishes to undertake, that the project is appropriate for the degree concerned and can reasonably be undertaken with the resources available and in the required timescale, and that they are confident, as far as is possible, that the student has the capacity to undertake the project successfully.

Supervisors will:

a) Recognise that the purpose of supervision is to both support the research and writing of a thesis, and to support the development of a skilled and rounded researcher.

b) Assist PGRs to design and deliver high quality research projects within the normal period of registration or (when applicable) the funded period of study.Whilst recognising PGRs are ultimately responsible for the quality of their research and content of their thesis, supervisors should do what is required and reasonably possible to support the conduct of research, academic progress and the writing of the thesis by the PGR to the highest feasible standard.

c) Be informed by the development and training needs of PGRs.Supervisors should encourage and support PGRs to participate in professional and personal development opportunities as an integral part of their research degree.

d) Work collaboratively.Supervision involves at least: one (and ideally more) academic supervisor; a clearly identifiable individual at the departmental level responsible for PGR pastoral support and wellbeing; a director of PGR studies or equivalent; departmental professional service teams; and, where relevant, the directors and professional service teams attached to centres for doctoral training, doctoral training partnerships, and doctoral landscape or focal awards.

e) Acknowledge the dual status of PGRs as both researchers and students.Supervision should be conducted in accordance with the university’s Dignity Principles Policy, Research Code of Practice and commitment to a positive research culture.At the same time (and the fact that many PGRs will also be colleagues by virtue of teaching responsibilities notwithstanding), supervisors should act in such a way that is consistent with a PGR’s status as a student. The

f) Communicate openly with PGRs to ensure a shared understanding of roles, responsibilities and expectations.

g) Be informed by key university academic regulations.Supervisors should be knowledgeable of the university’s Regulation 38 governing research degrees.

h) Signpost PGRs to pastoral and wellbeing support and to other relevant university and department regulations and policies, including those relating to academic integrity, research ethics, health and safety, travel and other matters fundamental to the conduct of research at Warwick.

i) Anticipate and implement reasonable adjustments and other adaptations to supervision necessary for PGRs with specific needs to complete their degrees successfully.

j) Engage regularly with professional development and support opportunities provided by the university and external organisations to supervisors.

k )Be exemplars of good research and professional practice.

l) Apply these principles throughout the entire PGR journey, from application through to completion, including in periods of extension and revision or resubmission of a thesis.