AHRC Chief Executive Professor Rick Rylance has this week sent a letter to all University Vice-Chancellors updating them on the latest AHRC developments following its recent move to Swindon. The letter follows a recent communication from Alan Thorpe, Chair of Research Councils UK, on changes in Research Councils grant processing.

Writing of the AHRC’s re-location, Professor Rylance writes that “in many respects this very substantial undertaking happened successfully and some of the benefits of the move have already become apparent.”

“However,” he continues, “in spite of our best efforts to mitigate the impact of the move through the measures announced in February, there have been delays and difficulties beyond those expected and these may have caused disruption to researchers in your institution. The additional difficulties have been caused by a combination of factors but most notably by the sudden public sector recruitment freeze following the election which suspended the process of recruiting staff to replace those not moving with us. Fortunately, we have now resolved this situation, but it caused considerable delay and uncertainty and I’m sure you will understand that in the circumstances we were unable to give neither advance notice nor confident updates.

“I apologise to you and your staff for any disruption caused by this. I would also like to reassure you that we are continuing to do our utmost to mitigate the impact of these changes on researchers, applicants and other staff in HEIs.”

Professor Rylance goes on to confirm that the process changes for AHRC studentship grants awarded from 1 October 2010 will go ahead as announced. “We have communicated with the relevant staff in your institutions and they should be fully aware of the implications of these changes for them,” he writes.

In an earlier communication in February of this year, the AHRC had indicated that measures may be needed in the autumn to regulate the flow of business in the new grants systems. “I’m glad to say that these will not be necessary,” writes Professor Rylance. “Should we need to introduce measures in the future, we will give as much advance notice as possible.”

He concludes: “Once again, my apologies for any disruption caused by recent upheavals and my thanks for your continued patience and understanding. We are working towards resuming the high level of service to which we continue to be committed and will keep you and others in the arts and humanities research community fully informed of developments in a timely manner.”

If you would like further information on any details contained in this announcement, please contact Philip Pothen (p.pothen@ahrc.ac.uk)