RELU Work Shadowing Scheme

Closing Date: Applications are invited at any time up to 31 January 2010.

Work Shadowing aims to introduce RELU research staff to the action-contexts in which their research may be used. These contexts may be commercial organisations, voluntary bodies or public agencies.

Potential applicants do not always have to engage in pure ‘work shadowing’. It can include meetings between researchers and collaborators, sharing information/resources and so on, alongside more obvious shadowing-related activities.

Who can apply?

Work Shadowing is open to all RELU research staff (including Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators and researchers).

How long does a shadow last?

Between one week and one month.

What resources are available to fund the scheme?

The RELU Programme will cover eligible travel and subsistence costs to a maximum of £500 per week and £2000 in total per Shadower.

What do I need to do to apply?

Responsibility for initiation of a Shadow rests either with

• a research project leader who would approach a potential work shadowing host

• or with a responsible staff member of an external organisation who would approach the RELU research team(s) about hosting a Work Shadow.

Applications should be jointly planned by both parties so as to maximise mutual benefits. A single page letter of application is required from the initiating party, supported briefly in writing by the other partner (an e.mail will suffice from a research project leader or responsible staff member from the external organisation).

The application should:

• specify the timing, length and location of the placement;

• outline the main activities that will be undertaken;

• describe the anticipated benefits to the research team and the external organisation;

• identify contact details of the responsible staff members in the research team and external organisation.

• the application should be sent to the Director’s Office for approval.

Afterwards the Shadower and External Host Organisation staff member will complete a brief one page questionnaire evaluating the experience and providing feedback. Reimbursements of standard class travel and subsistence expenses is done via an Expenses Claim form returned with all receipts to the Director’s Office and will be dependent upon submission of the completed end of placement questionnaires.