KE Concordat Webinar on 23 February 2026, 12:00 – 13:00. Click here to sign up.
Commitment to the how, why, and who of Knowledge Exchange:
Knowledge Exchange is undeniably an increasing part of our Higher Education institutional culture, part of how research is assessed and valued, and a significant element of how it is rewarded and funded. It is key to ensuring the economic and societal benefits that can flow from research and teaching. It is also about the purpose of ensuring an impact and the people and culture that make it happen. The Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC) is a mechanism to ensure the quality and commitment of an institution’s approach, which is why we are launching the opportunity to recommit or commit to the principles of the Knowledge Exchange Concordat.
The development of the KEC:
In 2020, most English universities and some from Scotland and Wales became signatories to the eight principles of the KE Concordat (KEC). They committed to undertake a holistic institutional evaluation of how KE was managed and conducted, from the overarching mission to implementation and customers. The KEC ‘development years’ ran from October 2020 to 2024, led by the UK and funded by Research England. They generated a significant amount of discussion about the ‘how and why’ of knowledge exchange. Providing in-depth insight into different approaches across institutional types and locations. Those conversations were invaluable for the whole sector and have had long-term impacts on our thinking about the how and why of knowledge exchange.
KEUK took responsibility for the KEC in 2024 when the development phase concluded. We did this because we felt that the purpose of the KEC, considering the ‘how and why’ but also the ‘who’ of KEC, went to the heart of our own vision and mission.
The eight principles stand the test of time, and have attracted interest around the world, although we are alert to the need to maintain their relevance in the modern HE environment, and run through our own approach to developing, connecting and promoting KE professionals, KE activity, and KE outcomes.
The time to recommit:
More than 5 years on from the original call to the sector to commit to the KEC, with the increased significance of KE, engagement, and collaboration across the HE sector, and with discussions about research culture in the REF, where KE is implicit. It is time to renew the KEC commitment. As funders continue to focus on the impact of research alongside national priorities, it is a good moment to remind everyone that the KEC is there and that it provides a framework to assure stakeholders and beneficiaries of KE of an institution’s approach, as well as to talk about KE in a rounded way, both within HEIs and external partners.
Alignment to Funding:
The Scottish Funding Council required Scottish universities to uphold the KEC principles in their Knowledge Exchange Innovation Fund strategies, and MEDR in Wales has done similarly. Whilst there is no equivalent formal requirement from Research England, as the majority of English universities have entered the HEIF accountability phase. They will be considering the how, why and what of their KE activity. We think the timing is right to ask for a renewal of commitment to the KEC across the UK. We believe that the KEC is a strong indication of an institution’s intent to pursue effective, responsible and impactful KE and to do so in the spirit of continuous improvement and adopting best practice.
As we enter this next phase of strengthening knowledge exchange across the UK, we are also pleased to introduce our refreshed Knowledge Exchange Concordat visual identity. The new logo reflects our commitment to the future of KE, capturing the values of collaboration, connectivity, and shared purpose that underpin the Knowledge Exchange Concordat. It signals our continued dedication to supporting KE professionals, celebrating KE culture, and championing high‑quality, impactful knowledge exchange across institutions, sectors, and regions.
KEC at KEUK:
At KEUK, the KEC is one of the key elements in our approach to KE professionalisation: recognition, culture, professional development, accreditation and skills framework. Each supports the other and will increasingly be cross-referenced across our offerings as part of our integrated mission as Knowledge Exchange UK, building capacity and confidence in the sector.
Low burden approach:
We’re proposing a light touch but serious commitment to uphold the KEC principles and recognise their role in creating a positive institutional KE culture for professional and academic staff, students and KE partners. There will be no requirement to undertake a self-assessment exercise, but we will make available tools and templates for those who wish to do so.
Make sure to complete the reaffirmation form here, and follow these steps:
- Prepare the required information.
- Enter the Institution/Organisation name.
- Enter your first name and last name.
- Enter the Institution/Organisation reaffirmation name (if required)
- Enter your job title.
- Enter your institutional email address.
- Upload the institution’s logo (PNG or SVG).
- Paste the statement of reaffirmation.
- Review all entered information.
- Submit the form.
Next steps:
We are hosting a KE Concordat Webinar on 23 February 2026, 12:00 – 13:00. Click here to sign up.
If you’re not a KEUK member or not based in the UK, you can still commit to the KEC and be part of any dedicated KEC events that we run via the KEUK platform.
If your institution is not ready now, this isn’t a ‘must do’ ask, it’s an invitation that will remain open. We will continue to reference the KEC principles in our own activities and promote discussion at our annual conference.
If you have any questions, please contact Tamsin.Mann@ke.org.uk in the first instance.
