¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

Why have we developed this resource? 

In 2023-2024, we delivered a University-wide training programme on narrative CVs, including webinars and in-person workshops tailored for STEM and for Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences researchers. This programme was led by Dr Jane Alfred, Director of Catalyst Editorial, and Claire Sykes, University of ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. 

Through our training and discussions on narrative CVs, we identified recurring questions and found that guidance on some key areas was often lacking. We also observed varied practices and understandings of how narrative CVs should be written and assessed. 

In response to recurring questions about narrative CVs, we recognised a lack of clear, accessible guidance on how to address some of these issues. For example, while it’s important to maintain flexibility in describing contributions and achievements, the absence of concrete examples can make it challenging for researchers to know where to start. This is particularly the case if you are writing or assessing a narrative CV for the first time.

To address this, we have developed an openly available framework and a library of sample narrative CV modules as a practical resource for both researchers and reviewers. These resources provide structured guidance and adaptable examples across different career stages and academic disciplines, helping researchers to articulate and evidence their contributions effectively while supporting assessors to evaluate CVs appropriately, consistently and fairly. We hope this resource will be valuable to those writing narrative CVs and also to those reviewing them. We also hope it provides a much needed resource to support the provision of training or guidance for assessors. 

How to use the Narrative CV resource

For Researchers Writing a Narrative CV

Start with the Framework – The resource outlines key sections commonly used in narrative CVs (e.g., contributions to knowledge, talent development, the research community and broader society). Use this as a guide to structure your CV.

Explore Example Modules – The library contains sample narrative CV modules from different career stages and disciplines. These can help you to see how others describe their contributions; use them as guides to begin the process of selecting, evidencing and explaining your own. 

Adapt Examples to Suit Your Needs – Narrative CVs are flexible. Use the examples as a starting point but tailor them to reflect your experiences, career path, and research context.

Focus on Contributions and Impact – Move beyond listing outputs (e.g., papers, grants) and aim instead to explain how your work has made a difference in your field, supported others, and influenced broader society.

For Assessors Reviewing a Narrative CV

Use the Framework to Identify Key Themes – Look at how the CV is structured and consider how the applicant has demonstrated and evidenced their contributions across different areas.

Refer to Example Modules for Benchmarking – The sample modules can help you understand the different ways in which contributions can be articulated and evidenced and what strong examples might look like.

Look for Evidence, Not Just Claims – Assess how well applicants support their statements with examples rather than relying on traditional metrics alone.

Consider Career Stage and Discipline – Recognise that contributions will look different depending on the research area and career stage. Use the resource to help assess applications fairly across diverse backgrounds.

For Those Providing Training or Support

Use the Resource for Workshops and Guidance – The framework and examples can serve as teaching materials to help researchers and assessors to understand best practices for writing and reviewing narrative CVs.

Encourage Peer Discussion – Use the examples to facilitate conversations about what makes a strong narrative CV and how to fairly assess contributions.

Highlight the Flexibility of Narrative CVs – Emphasise that while structure is important, there is no single correct way to write a narrative CV. The resource is there to support interpretation and adaptation.