Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document provides a briefing on equality issues for main and sub-panel chairs, members, observers and panel advisers and secretaries of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. It also touches on employment issues as they relate to equality.

2. It deals specifically with equality issues in relation to panels developing their criteria and working methods. We expect to provide an updated equality briefing to panels for the assessment phase of the exercise and to provide updates as necessary on any relevant developments in equalities and employment legislation.

Action required

3. This document is for information only.