This contracts framework is for internal use only.
The contracts framework is intended to strengthen collaborative relationships and manage expectations for partners – however, it includes business sensitive material that must not be shared outside of the University of Warwick. R&IS colleagues can provide advice on information that can be shared with funders and partners as well as supporting you with those early discussions.
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties, which gives rise to enforceable obligations.
We use contracts to support and protect research at Warwick, but also the majority of funders will require terms and conditions to be in place.
Contracts enable all partners to manage collaborative research projects and agree how we will work together. For example, contracts may cover areas such as, expectations of the research to be delivered, intellectual property, liabilities and the use of personal data in projects.
Having appropriate contracts in place is important to protect the University’s financial interests, reputation and relationships with funders and collaborators, as well as the interests of individual researchers and their work.
We use contracts across all disciplines and departments, whether we are working with another University, a large multinational corporation or a small charitable organisation, within the UK or overseas.
The contracts framework is intended to support:
Create clear guidance to academics and Departments around the early discussions they may have with potential research collaborators
Improve communication and understanding of the University’s approach to collaboration and research funding to industry/non-academic partners
Streamline negotiation of research contracts with enhanced reputational value to the University
The contracts framework is intended to support:
Researchers at Warwick to better understand the contracting process
Departments at Warwick with improved communication and a more streamlined process
Partners collaborating with Warwick to understand expectations about contracting and working with us
This contracts framework can support you to:
Become familiar with the contracting process at Warwick
Understand different types of contract, and identify the type that will be appropriate for your project or collaboration
Understand key contract clauses and why they need to be included
Understand the information that will be required to prepare different types of contracts
Be aware of stakeholder responsibilities in the contracting process
Recognise terms in contracts that are likely to complicate the contracting process, or which the University may be unable to agree to
Learn about opportunities for training on research contracts
Find answers to frequently asked questions about research contracts
Find support from colleagues in the preparation of contracts.
Provide off the shelf template agreements that can be shared with partners. Whilst we use templates to support the drafting, terms within contracts should reflect the type of research you are undertaking. Please seek support for drafting of agreements from RIS
Provide guidance on all contracting scenarios – please contact RIS for any questions you have regarding research contracting.
This contracts framework includes the following sections
Which contract should you use? This page provides summaries of the types of contract we routinely use, along with how to help identify the most appropriate form of contract, and details of the key terms and clauses and why they are important
Contracts process – Summarises our processes for setting up, negotiating and signing research contracts
