keele university code of practice on postgraduate research degrees

1.7.6 The Lead Supervisor will ensure that the student has access to the support and
direction necessary for the satisfactory completion <strong>of</strong> the research degree. This
includes supervisory advice and guidance, Research Institute and <strong>university</strong>
resources and facilities, and research training. In particular the Lead Supervisor will
ensure that the student is aware <strong>of</strong> any inadequacy <strong>of</strong> progress or <strong>of</strong> standards <strong>of</strong>
work below that expected (and provide written confirmation <strong>of</strong> what has been
discussed).
1.7.7 Lead Supervisors are accountable to the Postgraduate Committee, the Research
Degrees Committee and the University (and to any external sponsor) for providing
such reports as are required on the work, training and academic progress <strong>of</strong> research
students (see COP section 3.5).
1.7.8 Where at all possible, continuity <strong>of</strong> supervision should be maintained. If Lead
Supervisors are on sabbatical leave, or temporarily absent for other reasons, where
possible they should maintain continuity <strong>of</strong> supervision, but otherwise clear
arrangements should be made for the period <strong>of</strong> absence and approved by the
Postgraduate Committee.
1.7.9 Where a change <strong>of</strong> Lead Supervisor is unavoidable, the circumstances should be
fully discussed with the student, and changes approved by the Postgraduate
Committee.
1.7.10 All supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that they are trained in supervision and
that they continue to develop their supervision skills through continuing pr<strong>of</strong>essional
development as appropriate.
1.7.11 Additional guidance about the role <strong>of</strong> the supervisory team is given in Annex D3.
COP on PGR Degrees, November 2011 12