In 2011 the ISSBS pledged to prepare an institutional human resources strategy in accordance with "The European Charter for Researchers" (Charter) and "The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers" (Code). The faculty recognises itself in the principles and guidelines set out in these documents and supports their implementation since research activities represent an important part of its overall activities and strategic orientations.

Aims of implementing the human resources strategy for researchers

With the implementation of the human resources strategy for researchers the ISSBS aims to:

• strengthen the international orientation of its research activities,
• improve its visibility in the international research community,
• provide a more attractive work environment for foreign and domestic researchers,
• ensure a greater internal and external credibility of the institution and its research activities in relation to public authorities and the general public,
• become integrated into and even more actively participate in the international research community.

"A Human Resources Strategy for Researchers incorporating the Charter and Code at the International School for Social and Business Studies, Slovenia"

This document is divided in four chapters, covering ethical and professional aspects, recruitment, working conditions & social security and training. The strategy was developed based on an internal analysis and discussion on various meetings which took place in the period from October 2011 to February 2012. ISSBS board for scientific and research work (KZRD) was responsible together with assistance of the research department for critical reflection of the research at ISSBS, gap analysis and the human resources strategy development. This board represents junior and senior ISSBS researchers and is responsible for monitoring the development of research at ISSBS, discussing and sending into adoption to the Senate the plan and report on the implementation of research activities, proposing to the Senate the creation or abolition of institutes, monitoring and proposing new research project proposals, etc.

On 14 October 2011 at ISSBS briefing (meeting organized twice in an academic year with all ISSBS higher education teachers, associates and researchers, usually before the beginning of the academic year and at the end of it) KZRD presented aims of institutional human resources strategy as well as the steps that will lead towards its' implementation. The presentation has been made to all ISSBS higher education teachers, associates and researchers. The meeting was also an opportunity for critical reflection of the research at ISSBS and the discussion.

The strategy preparation consisted of the following steps:

• Execution of interviews and examination of the key legal documents.
• Preparation of the strategy based on the acquired data. The strategy is included in two documents - the Human Resources Strategy itself and the Action Plan.
• Approval of both documents by the Senate of the ISSBS.
• Translation and proofreading of the documents.
• Publishing of both documents on the ISSBS's website and their dissemination.
• Sending of the adopted documents to the EC for approval.

After the meeting mentioned above KZRD with support of Research department gathered first data for the analysis through interviews with the head of the research unit, associate dean for research, director and dean of the faculty, as well as through a thorough examination of the faculty's key legal documents and taking into account the findings and discussion of the ISSBS briefing.

On 10 November 2011 KZRD made a draft analysis of the information gathered and begun with the preparation of the strategy.

Discussion of the draft of action plan and implementation possibilities has been made on 9 December 2011 at the ISSBS Academic Assembly. The Assemby is organized twice in an academic year and includes all higher education teachers, associates and researchers.

Based on comments from the ISSBS briefing and Academic Assembly the board discussed and finished both documents of the strategy. The strategy was adopted by KZRD on 15 February 2012.

Final strategy was discussed and adopted by ISSBS Senate on 29 February 2012. Afterwards translation and proofreading of the documents has been made in order to publish the documents on the ISSBS's website, disseminate them and send the adopted documents to the European Commision for approval.

The summary of strategy preparation including future steps (implementation process, re-evaluation dates etc.) has been presented at ISSBS Academic Assembly on 28 March 2012.

The ISSBS is responsible for the implementation of the strategy and for its continuous improvements due to changes in its research environment. The strategy will be evaluated internally every two years and externally after four years.

Action Plan

The Action Plan focuses on the promotion of research, especially through measures related to human resources and their development. Special attention is paid to the following actions:

• Improving research conditions for domestic and foreign researchers in their early career or/and for young researchers. This is related especially to the infrastructure, material, information and knowledge needed for successful work.
• Providing continuing professional development for all ISSBS researches (through mobility programmes, strengthening cooperation with businesses and other knowledge end-users, organising special research-related seminars, inviting foreign specialists to give lectures related to research and research methodology, etc.).
• Enabling career movements within the institution and beyond, which might be related to either research or teaching possibilities.
• Encouraging foreign researchers to come to the ISSBS and involving them in various domestic and international research projects.
• Providing for the continuation of research work after the completion of a Master's degree and/or doctoral studies (especially in the sense of transition into regular employment).
• Promoting the transfer of knowledge and information from the ISSBS to practice (e.g. businesses) and vice versa. This will be realised through cooperation opportunities bringing together the ISSBS, businesses, development agencies, incubators, etc., and special events (e.g. conferences, roundtables, etc.).

The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers and Action Plan have been drawn up on the basis of the Charter and Code, the internal analysis conducted through interviews and the revision of the ISSBS's legal documents, as well as following the comments and discussions of all ISSBS researchers.

 ISSBS Human Resources Strategy for Researchers

 ISSBS Action Plan