Research Councils' core activity is the support of Research, Training and Knowledge Transfer and fit-for-purpose support functions are a key enabler. Councils also have a duty to utilise public funds as efficiently as possible.
To help achieve this, the Research Councils agreed to set up a Shared Services Centre (SSC). The SSC aims to provide:
- Integrated, efficient & responsive single organisation administrative support service;
- Greater value for money;
- A clearer, consistent customer focus.
The RCUK SSC Ltd is a separate legal entity, wholly owned by Council members, providing services to multiple customers, and organised and run on a commercial basis. It will incorporate the following business areas:
- Human resources;
- Finance;
- Procurement;
- IT and telecommunications (HQs and SSC);
- Grants processing, including fellowships and studentships.
The Shared Services Centre represents the continuation of plans to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness through joint services. The Councils have implemented a common electronic system for the online submission of research grant proposals and online support for peer review, under the Research Administration Programme.
Further information will be published here when available.