Returning Carers' Scheme

• Adoption leave
• Career breaks for family reasons
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Parental leave
• Leave to work part-time or reduced hours for family reasons
• Special leave to care for a dependent

• Awards will be made only where there is no other external source of funding (such as grant funding).
• Awards will be made only for purposes identified in the application.
• The application for funding fits with the University, Faculty and School/Department priorities and will benefit the independent career progression of the applicant.
• Whilst priority will be given to those who are requesting funds for the first time, previous recipients may reapply, following a further period of extended leave.
• If the total of funding requested exceeds available funds, awards will be given to those requests that the Panel considers will have the most impact.
• Direct childcare costs will not be considered.
• There is no right of appeal against the Panel’s decision.
• Support is not available for expenditure following the end of a contract of employment.

• Presenting papers at conferences* or producing research paper outputs** (if there is a possibility of securing funding elsewhere, the RCS will cover the difference);
• Training to support career/professional development; including externally sourced courses not provided directly by Ulster University
• Training to expand or stretch skills for current role or future career opportunities:
• Training to allow individuals to move into new fields or specialisms within their work;
• Training to boost transferable skills or readiness for new opportunities;
• Opportunities to build your career or enhance your profile and impact within the University, in the sector, or beyond.
• Training or further study that will benefit not only the recipient but have a positive impact more widely in the team and/or University
• Short-term research or administrative support (for example to generate preliminary data to support research grant applications);
• Support for assistance in grant writing;
• Cost of teaching buy-out to cover one module;
• Indirect childcare expenses; for example, when attending a conference overseas, the cost for travel and accommodation of an adult looking after an accompanying dependent;
• Resources to support a grant application or completion of independent research (for example equipment/laboratory consumables, hiring additional help with pay etc. - this must be evidenced).

Before applying, please meet with your Head of School or Head of Department discuss the application and to confirm that the requested funds will support your career aspirations and departmental priorities.

Where funding is being requested to support Research paper outputs, in addition to the Head of School/Department statement of support, the Research Director must confirm that the proposals align with the strategic outputs of the unit.

Complete all sections of the application fully, including a detailed breakdown of planned expenditure, the outcome and impact on your career progression and wider team or organisational benefits.

Take some time to think about what’s been happening in your life, career and in work since you have been off on caring leave:

• Are there new developments in your subject or discipline or area of work?
• Are there new trends, themes or technology that you want to explore?
• Has your time away sparked a new idea or a new interest related to your work?
• Do you have a particular area of expertise or interest or personal development need?
• Do you want to take a new direction or bring a fresh perspective?
• Is there work that you need or want to resume quickly and with full confidence?
• Do you feel a little out of touch with your internal or external professional networks?

The statement of support from the Head of School or Department should confirm that:

• the application is in line with the aims of the Scheme;
• the items requested are of personal benefit to the member of staff;
• there is no other source of funding (e.g. grant funding);
• that there will be no adverse impact on colleagues within the wider team.

Applications will primarily be judged against the likelihood of delivering benefits that would enable the applicant to further develop and advance their career, to contribute more within their current role, or to remain and thrive in a rewarding academic, research, or professional career, considering their career stage.

The Panel will make decisions on funding, ensuring consistency across Faculties and Departments.

The Panel may approve a lesser amount based on the benefits and impact outlined in the application.

Applicants will usually receive a decision within one month of the closing date, though please allow the panel time to assess all applications. There is no appeal of the Panel’s decision.