Governance

The governance of the WRDTP consists of:

  • the Management Group (MG)
  • the Academic Quality Committee (AQC)
  • the Training Group (TG)
  • the Student Forum (SF)

These committees consist of representatives from all seven partner universities.  Students are represented on the Training Group.

Management Group

The Management Group (MG) agrees and oversees the strategic priorities of the DTP (in the context of the institutions’ and ESRC’s strategic plans) and oversee the implementation of ESRC’s guidance on the distribution of PhD studentships, the establishment of new programmes etc in line with its original objectives.

In terms of the overall strategic direction, the MG:

  • focuses on encouraging and embedding collaboration
  • initiates the development of interdisciplinary programmes
  • maximises the quality of provision
  • encourage the spread of good practice.

The MG is responsible for ensuring the output targets of the DTP are met. The MG ensures partner views are sought and considered in reaching decisions and reviews and approves all necessary processes for the efficient and effective conduct of the DTP.

Professor Felicity Matthews

Director, WRDTP

Professor Peter Gardner

University of Bradford

Professor Craig Watkins

University of Sheffield

Dr Theresa McKinven

Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Kathryn Arnold

University of York

Professor Doug Cleaver

Sheffield Hallam University

Professor W. Luke Windsor

University of Leeds

Dr Briony McDonagh

University of Hull

Academic Quality Committee

The Academic Quality Committee (AQC) has responsibility for ensuring the successful operation and development of the WRDTP and reports into the Management Group (MG).

Members of the AQC include the Faculty Directors of Research & Innovation and Directors of Graduate Training (or equivalents) for each institution. Chairing rotates around its membership on an annual basis.

The AQC oversees the coordination of the successful running and development of the WRDTP and ensures its strategic development in line with the original objectives. This includes:

  • designing and overseeing the studentship competitions
  • ensuring timely financial reporting
  • overseeing the development of partnerships
  • overseeing events and activities

Training Group

The Training Group (TG) coordinates and facilitates the successful strategic development, operation and quality assurance of the WRDTP training offer and reports into the Academic Quality Committee.   

It ensures the strategic development of the WRDTP in line with the original training objectives as set out in the Doctoral Training Partnership 2016 ESRC bid document and ESRC PGR Training and Development Guidelines 2015.

Career Development & Transferable Skills Training Working Group

The Career Development and Transferable Skills (CDTS) Training Working Group ensures the strategic development of general research and transferable skills training for social science PhD students across the seven WRDTP universities in line with the original objectives.

Interdisciplinary Pathways

The WRDTP consists of seven thematic training pathways, each of which is lead by a Pathway Director who coordinates the training offer; a deputy Director is also based in each HEI to ensure that the local training offer is delivered.

AQM Training Group

The Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) Training Group are responsible for organising and coordinating training sessions and events that focus on quantitative research methods.

AQUALM Training Group

The Advanced Qualitative Methods (AQUALM) Training Group are responsible for organising and coordinating training sessions and events that focus on qualitative research methods.