The “HR Strategy for Researchers” (HRS4R) supports research institutions and funding organisations in the implementation of “The European Charter for Researchers” and “The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers” in their policies and practices. The implementation of the Charter & Code by research institutions will render them more attractive to researchers looking for a new employer or for a host for their research projects.

The award “HR Excellence in Research” identifies the institutions and organisations as providers and supporters of a stimulating and favorable working environment.

The HRS4R has five steps to be followed:

• Step 1 –Internal gap analysis according to a standard template grouping the Charter & Code principles in 4 areas (‘Ethical and professional aspects’, ‘Recruitment’, ‘Working conditions & social security’ and ‘Training’).
• Step 2 – Publish the “Human Resources Strategy for Researchers” in the Institutional website.
• Step 3 – European Commission “acknowledges” that the participating research institution or funding organization has adopted a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers.
• Step 4 – Implement “HR strategy” and conduct a self-assessment.
• Step 5 – External evaluation every four years after the HR award, the research institution or funding organization drafts a short report, showing the progress made towards the objectives of its HR Strategy for Researchers and its compliance with the principles of the Charter & Code.

The H2020 Annotated Model Grant Agreement (General MGA: August 2014) devotes Art. 32 to ‘Recruitment and Working Conditions for Researchers’. This article is not an evaluation criterion; therefore following a check, audit, extension of audit findings, review or OLAF investigation, the H2020 grant beneficiary may be requested to provide evidence that Art. 32 has been duly applied. Within this frame, the HR logo may be considered a proof-although not the only one-of the implementation of the Charter and code principles.