HR Excellence in Research

In April 2015, the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) obtained the recognition of the European Commission HR Excellence. This recognition proves that VHIR endorses the general principles of the European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter & Code), and firmly supports its commitment in improving internal policies and procedures. This recognition of excellence is an opportunity to establish a comprehensive and coherent Human Resources Strategy, that should allow to achieve international visibility by providing favourable working environment for research with equal opportunities, ethical integrity and work life balance.

The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is the tool established by the European Commission for implementing the principles of the Charter & Code. By this, the Institution has to undergo the 5 steps: 1- Internal Gap analysis, 2- Development of an Action Plan, 3- Review and acknowledgement by the European Commission, 4- Self-assessment after 2 years, and 5-External evaluation at least every 4 years.

On March 2014, the VHIR initiated the process for the award recognition by performing a first analysis of the relevant applicable legislation and the alignment of the Institution with the Charter and Code principles, after specific Focus Groups were organised in order to involve all personnel and to establish priority actions. As a result, the 2015 – 2019 VHIR HRS4R Action Plan was defined, and finally approved by the Internal Scientific Committee in October 2014 and by the Board of Trustees in December 2014.

More information:

- VHIR Action Plan HRS4R (pdf).

- European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (pdf).

- Human Resources Strategy for Researchers.