The HRS4R Process consists of three distinct phases, as described below:

• Process followed by CUT towards the development of the HRS4R
  
  HRS4R is comprised in the strategic goals of the University.
  
  In order to adhere to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, the Rector’s Council appointed a Working Group to conduct the Gap Analysis; Compare the 40 Principles of the Charter and Code to the Legislation, Regulations, internal policies, practices and initiatives of CUT. The Working Group was also responsible to complete the Open, Transparent and Merit Recruitment (OTM-R) Checklist, comparing current practices to the OTM-R toolkit / best practices.  The working group comprised of administrative staff, representatives of the Human Resources and Research services as well as representatives from the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Office.
  
  The involvement of Researchers at all career stages (R1-R4) was essential for the development of the HRS4R and the Action Plan. To this effect, an Ad-Hoc Committed was appointed, including Permanent Teaching and Research Staff as well as Researchers on Fixed Term Contract to examine the strong and weak points of current practices of CUT against each of the principles of the C & C and OTM-R and set priorities for action and/or improvement of current practices via the development of  an Action Plan. Additionally, the input of early stage researchers (postgraduate students/PhD students) through personal interviews, was essential to get an insight into the views, concerns, priorities and needs of young researchers at the first steps of their research career, in order to finalise the Action Plan.
  
  The University submitted the electronic application for the ‘HR Excellence Award’, comprising of the Action Plan, the Gap Analysis and the OTM-R Checklist on 16 November 2022.

The university was granted the ‘HR Excellence Award’ on 25 April 2023 and is now considered to be an ‘HR Acknowledged Institution’.

The next phase in CUT HRS4R Journey is the Interim Assessment, in 2-years period from the “HR in Excellence” Award.

The Interim Assessment involves demonstrating progress towards the implementation of the initial Action Plan 2023-2025 and how the University has embedded the principles of the C&C into its policies and practices. It also requires the development of the OTM-R (Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment) Policy for Researchers, in alignment with OTM-R principles. Finally, it incorporates an Extended Action Plan for the next 3 years (2025-2028) in view of the continuous commitment of the University to establish good practices in line with the principles of the C&C, as part of its overall HR Strategy in support of CUT researchers.

To this purpose, the HRS4R Working Group, set up in the initial phase, with the contribution of the OTM-R Working group, updated the Action Plan 2023-2025 to show progress on the implementation of actions, presenting evidence on the indicators set.

Based on CUT Strategic Plan 2023-2030 and in collaboration with key University Units, actions were agreed for the Extended Action Plan 2025-2028.

The contribution from the representatives of researchers at all career stages (R1-R4) in the Ad-hoc Committee was of key importance in the Extended Action Plan, taking into consideration their views and propositions towards a more stimulating work environment, based on equality and inclusiveness with a range of opportunities offered to enhance their research and professional development.

The University has submitted the electronic application of the Interim Assessment in May 2025.