By signing the grant agreement, each recipient of a framework project grant undertakes to comply with Article 32, which lays down the rules for the employment of researchers and the provision of good working conditions. Article 32 of the grant agreement obliges the beneficiaries to comply with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Employment of Researchers (hereinafter referred to as the Charter and the Code). In particular, it emphasizes working conditions, transparent recruitment based on qualifications and experience and the creation of a favourable environment for career development.
In order to formalize Article 32, the European Commission created the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (hereinafter HRS4R). An institution that decides to implement a strategy must first analyze the shortcomings in its functioning. Gap Analysis should help to realistically evaluate what changes can be made, also taking into account the relevant national legislation. Based on the analysis, an action plan should be drawn up, but it should be the subject of a deeper and continuous discussion at all levels of the institution. Specific goals and suggestions for improving conditions are individual, it mainly depends on the internal organization, on the activity and ability of the assigned team, and of course on the will and number of employees involved. The implementation of the action plan must be internally monitored and also checked by external evaluators at regular intervals. The European Commission awards the HRS4R quality mark one year after the start of the entire process, taking into account the coherence of the action plan and its implementation.