Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document provides guidance for Main Panels A-D to develop, with input from their sub-panels, criteria and working methods for the assessment of higher education research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

2. The UK higher education funding bodies intend to give higher education institutions (HEIs) the fullest possible account of the assessment framework, criteria, data requirements and processes involved in the REF, to enable them to prepare submissions and to ensure transparency and confidence in the REF process. They will publish this information in the following documents:

• Guidance on submissions
• Panel criteria and working methods

Action required

3. This document is for information only.