The Peer Review College Reviewer's e-Handbook is intended to inform and assist members of the Peer Review College.
Information for PRC members:
The AHRC's Peer Review College (pdf 37kb): This provides general background information.
Role of the Peer Review College reviewer (pdf 190kb): This details how you fit into the overall peer review assessment process, the grading scale used, provides a diagrammatic overview of the review process (Annex A) and guidance on reviewing cross-Research Council proposals (Annex B).
Grading scale for use from 1 December 2011 (pdf 26kb): this is the revised grading scale which comes into effect for applications assessed on or after 1 December 2011.
Technical Reviewers Grading Scale and Guidance (pdf 46kb): A copy of the Je-S helptext which provides grading scale descriptors and specific guidance on how to compete each section of the technical review form.
Checklist for an Effective Review (pdf 141kb): Some tips and advice from College members on how to write a quality peer review.
Guidance Note - Value for Money 2011 (pdf 51kb)
Guidance Note for PI Response (pdf 34kb)
Guidance Note- Reasons why AHRC might return a peer review for amendment (pdf 41kb)
Payment of expenses: You are entitled to claim travel and subsistence expenses incurred when attending College events, such as to Induction Days. When you are invited to a College event we will provide you with Guidance Notes and a Claim Form. If you require overnight accommodation please contact the AHRC so that we can book this on your behalf. College members who serve on a peer review panel receive an honorarium for attending the panel meetings and fulfilling the duties of a panel member.
Non Employee Expenses Claim form (excel 88kb)
Guidance note for non employee claiming expenses (pdf 91kb)
Frequently Asked Questions (pdf 151kb): Questions that may arise during your term of office as a member of the Peer Review College
Standards of Service (pdf 150kb): When members join the Peer Review College they agree to abide by certain Standards of Service. This is a copy of the document outlining those terms.
Code of Practice (pdf 374kb): The AHRC has adopted a Code of Practice for members of the AHRC Council, Committees, Panels and Advisory Groups for those who assist in the work of the Council. In fulfilling your role you should abide by the seven principles of public life annex 1) that were drawn up by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (the Nolan Committee).
Panel Structure: For the purpose of reviewing proposals the AHRC's subject areas are allocated to Panels A, B, C and D. The primary subject area chosen by the Principal Investigator/applicant will identify the panel to which the application will be directed.
Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) System:
The Research Councils Je-S system is used for Peer Review of proposals and for members to maintain their membership details.
The step by step guide to completing a review in Je-S
Je-S Peer Review - Frequently Asked Questions FAQs (pdf 34kb)
Accessing and Completing a Peer Review Document (pdf 64kb)
Maintaining Personal Details: As a user of the Je-S System you are responsible for updating your personal details. To amend your details please log-in to the Je-S System using your Je-S User ID and password and then select "My Details". Some changes, including a change to Department & Organisation, will not be displayed until the details have been verified by the Je-S Helpdesk. For guidance please refer to the System Help notes and the Maintaining Personal Details Tutorial. If you experience any difficulty using Je-S or have any questions please contact the Je-S Helpdesk 01793 444164.
Other information:
Freedom of Information (FoI) and Data Protection (DP) (pdf 53kb): How FoI and DP impact on your role as a Peer Review College reviewer.
Freedom of Information Peer Review Framework (pdf 64kb) sets out what information we will and will not release concerning the peer review process.
Equal Opportunties Policy Documents (pdf 129kb)
Evaluation in AHRC (pdf 91kb): Overview of evaluation and monitoring activities at the AHRC.
Research Funding Guide and additional programme information:
Details of our research funding schemes can be found in this section:
Definition of Research (pdf 50kb): Overview and background to the AHRC's definition of research.
Research Funding Guide (pdf 919kb)
Funding Opportunites
AHRC Subject Domain:
The Council fund high quality research and postgraduate training that falls within the AHRC subject domain.
The AHRC and ESRC have written a joint statement on the handling of proposals on the interfaces between the arts and humanities and the social sciences. The AHRC has also issued a statement defining the AHRC's interest in the area of Cultural Policy Research.
Subject Classification: In 2004 an extended subject classification was created to allow the subject matter of research proposals to be mapped against the subject expertise of Peer Review College members. This classification enables the AHRC to better understand the portfolio of awards made and in 2007 a small number of changes were made.