Terms of Reference
The Knowledge Exchange Framework Strategy Committee (KEFSC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of priorities set out in the School’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact (KEI) Strategic Plan. These include preparations for, and submissions to, the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and with respect to the KE Concordat. The Committee aims to optimise submissions that the School makes to both, within the context of its broader research strategy.
The work of KEFSC is expected to benefit the LSE community as a whole, to whom it is also accountable. This should include helping to ensure that KEI is supported and implemented in line with the overarching aims of the KEI Strategic Plan and with the School’s wider goals and priorities.
In pursuance of its aims, the KEFSC has the following rights and responsibilities:
(i) To advise the Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and the Strategic Director for Innovation on the School’s KEI Strategic Plan, to encourage, facilitate and monitor knowledge exchange (including student entrepreneurship and research students’ non-academic collaborations) and the impact of LSE research in line with the School’s commitments to research excellence and impact, and with the requirements of the KEF and KE Concordat.
(ii) To advise the Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and the Strategic Director for Innovation on the School’s submissions to the KEF and the KE Concordat; to optimise the results of both and associated benefits accruing to the School, balancing these against the School’s broader strategic priorities.
(iii) To advise the Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) and the Strategic Director for Innovation on decisions when allocating HEIF and NPIF funds for targeted assistance in support of KEF and KE Concordat preparations.
(iv) To ensure that information relevant to the KEF and KE Concordat is collected by departments and centres around the School and gathered centrally. This includes overseeing the School’s submission of HE-BCI Survey and other data.
(v) To ensure that information relevant to the exercise is disseminated to academic staff, research staff, and research students.
(vi) To request information that will identify strengths and weaknesses in the submissions. Having identified weaknesses, to suggest solutions to improve the School’s submissions in these areas.
(vii) To ensure that it is informed of KEF and KE Concordat guidance, criteria and initiatives.
(viii) To act in accordance with the School’s EDI Policy, conducting Equality Impact Assessments where appropriate.
(ix) To comply with the School’s Ethics Code and the Committee Effective Behaviour Statement.
Mode of Operation
The KEFSC is a working group of Research Committee. It reports to Academic Board via Research Committee.
The Committee meets at least once per term.
Committee members are appointed by the Chair. They will normally be academic members of staff recognised as “experienced practitioners” based on their practical knowledge and expertise in knowledge exchange and impact. They will be expected to bring that experience to bear in fulfilling the rights and responsibilities outlined above. Appointed members will usually be expected to remain on the Committee for three years.
Ad hoc members may be invited to attend specific meetings where discussion is particularly relevant to them but will not be expected to be in regular attendance.