Vitae RDF 2025 Learning and Development Services
The Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) 2025 is a sector-leading tool designed to support researchers in identifying and developing the wide range of skills, knowledge, and behaviours that underpin successful research careers. Our learning and development services help organisations and individuals engage with the RDF in meaningful, strategic, and practical ways. The following services can be offered to members and non-member organisations alike:
An RDF Bridging Lens offers a tailored approach to connect the RDF with other professional development frameworks or standards. Developed collaboratively, this service involves:
• Mapping RDF domains and descriptors against another framework.
• Identifying shared competencies, skills and behaviours
• Producing a visual and narrative map to guide users in navigating between frameworks.
• This service is ideal for organisations seeking to align researcher development with broader strategic or sectoral goals.
You can find previous examples aligned with RDF 2010 under Lenses on the Vitae RDF at The Vitae Researcher Development Framework.
The RDF Development Cards are designed to make engagement with the framework interactive and enjoyable. Available as physical packs for use in workshops and development activities, they include:
• A visual representation of the RDF—both holistic and by domain.
• Suggested activities for use in workshops and development sessions.
• Tools for personalised career planning and professional development.
These cards are widely used in training and workshops to stimulate discussion and reflection among researchers around the RDF.
For international colleagues and organisations outside of higher education, we offer a bespoke RDF development service to support the creation of a version of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), aligned with your institutional context and approach. Our collaborative approach involving consultation with the researchers you support, ensures your bespoke framework remains robust, inclusive, and aligned to your organisational strategy and priorities.
RDF Workshops
We offer a range of RDF related workshops tailored for researcher experience level. These cover topics of Engaging in Professional Development with the RDF; Career Choices and Planning; and Effective Use of the RDF Planner. These can be delivered online or in person, and range from 90 minute to 3 hour workshops.
RDF Mapping Service
Our RDF Mapping Service helps institutions align their researcher development provision with the RDF 2025. This includes:
• Light-touch auditing of your current provision, objectives, and learner engagement.
• Application of Vitae’s mapping criteria to identify primary and secondary RDF aligned learning outcomes.
• Final mapping resource that clearly links your provision to RDF 2025 to support you to clearly articulate the skills, behaviours and attributes developed through your provision.
Tailored RDF Support Packages for Members and Non-Members
Whether you’re a Vitae member or exploring how the RDF 2025 can enhance your researcher development provision, we offer flexible support packages designed to meet your needs. These packages can include bespoke combinations of the above. Our team will work with you to embed the RDF meaningfully within your organisation. Contact us at learning.development@vitae.ac.uk to find out more.