1. The updated criteria for appointing panel members and impact and output assessors are as follows:
a. Each sub-panel should include expertise across the main fields of research within the UOA, and its membership should collectively command the respect of the relevant researcher and wider communities.
b. The sub-panel members should have appropriate expertise to contribute to the assessment of submissions across the sub-panel’s remit with an ability to understand and appreciate a diverse range of research topics and approaches. Appropriate expertise includes interdisciplinary research and expertise in the wider use or benefits of research.
c. Output assessors and impact assessors should have appropriate expertise to contribute to the assessment of outputs and impacts respectively across the sub-panel’s remit with an ability to understand and appreciate a diverse range of research topics and approaches.
d. Each sub panel will have at least two appointed members with a specific role to oversee and participate in the assessment of interdisciplinary research submitted in that UOA, to ensure its equitable assessment.
e. The diversity of the research community in the relevant subject fields, in terms of HEI type, and in terms of protected characteristics should be reflected in the overall sub-panel membership.
f. Sub-panels will be composed predominantly of practising researchers, and will include individuals with expertise in the use or benefits of research.
g. Sub-panel members, output assessor and impact assessors will be appointed on the basis of their personal experience and expertise, not as representatives of any group or interest.
h. There should be an appropriate degree of continuity in the sub-panel’s membership from previous assessment exercises. Where possible at least a third of the members of the sub-panel will have REF or RAE panel experience; and at least a third will not have served on REF or RAE panels.