Processes and Systems

This project will introduce effective and agile research support processes underpinned by a twenty-first century approach to data and systems through implementation of a system for managing research, innovation and consultancy projects.

Project aim

To elevate the Pre-Award and Post-Award experience for University colleagues enabling transparent sharing of accurate and timely information and minimise the effort required to meet statutory reporting and compliance obligations. Thus, increasing research income and reducing underspend on funded projects.

Scope and workstreams

The project will address:

  • Applications (Pre-Award), project set up (Award) and Post-Award monitoring for research, innovation and consultancy projects
  • Data and reporting capability and visibility for Schools for applications, awards and contracts
  • Integration with the University Finance (Agresso) and HR (iTrent) systems 

Progress

After reviewing options, the University has procured Worktribe, a system solution to underpin our new improved processes.

Worktribe is well-established within the higher education sector and is a cloud-based software platform offering a suite of tools for seamless, end-to-end research and innovation management.

We have procured Pre-Award, Contracts, Post-Award and Reporting products which will enable:

  • Collaborative bid development
  • Tools for integrated full economic costings
  • Clear workflows from project creation to award
  • Streamlined project management with spend tracking
  • Real-time reporting and insights

Process and system changes will be gradually phased in throughout the project. 

Work on Phase 1 (Pre-Award) started in February 2024. The Worktribe Pre-Award product has been in use by RIO staff and School Approvers since August 2024, and is expected to be rolled out to the rest of the University community in early 2025. 

Phase 2 (Contracts) began in September 2024. The Worktribe Contracts functionality is expected to be rolled out in early 2025. 

Work on Phase 3 (Post-Award) will commence in early 2025. 

A series of working groups has been established to ensure our stakeholder communities are represented and engaged. Working closely with the core project team in RIO, these groups will design how the new processes and practices - using the Worktribe software - are implemented. 

Meet the Team

The team responsible for delivering this element of the Reimagining RIO programme is: