The REF Steering Group comprises members of each of the UK higher education funding bodies. It is chaired by the Director of Research at Research England and serviced by representatives from the REF team. The group has responsibility for matters of policy and the programme of work, agreeing collective recommendations on the high-level framework, and putting these forward to the boards of the funding bodies. The Steering Group signs off key guidance developed by the REF team, provides oversight of key implementation risks, and agrees the draft REF budget to put forward for approval from the funding bodies. The group also draws attention of the REF team to matters of importance or sensitivity within the devolved territories, and acts as the final arbiter in REF 2021-related appeals or disputes. If you have any queries relating to the Steering Group, please email info@ref.ac.uk.
Membership list
|
Funding body |
Role |
Current incumbent |
|
Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland |
Head of HE Research Policy |
Michael Leonard |
|
Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland |
Senior HE Research Manager |
Paul Murphy |
|
Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW) |
Head of Research, Innovation and Engagement |
Olivia Harrison |
|
Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW) |
Senior Research Manager |
Ben Raynor |
|
Research England |
Associate Director of Research Funding |
Alex Herbert-Guest |
|
Research England |
Associate Director of Research Funding |
Anna Lang |
|
Research England |
Head of Research Assessment Policy |
Duncan Shermer |
|
Research England |
Director of Research |
Steven Hill (Chair) |
|
Scottish Funding Council |
Assistant Director, Research and Innovation |
Morag Campbell |
|
Scottish Funding Council |
Assistant Director, Research and Innovation |
Keith McDonald |
|
Scottish Funding Council |
Senior Policy/Analysis Officer |
Gary Bannon |