---
title: The postponed REF consultation document
layout: post
categories: [open access, REF, politics]
tags: [open access, REF, politics]
---
Research Fortnight is running an interesting piece about [the REF consultation document that was pulled late last year](https://www.researchprofessional.com/0/rr/news/uk/ref-2014/2016/2/-Anyone-for-5--research---HEFCE-asked-in-postponed-consultation-.html). Indeed, while the sector is desperate for information about the requirements for the next REF (we're currently playing somewhat blind), the consultation has been postponed while the Stern review consults.

In any case, [here's a mirror of the consultation document itself](/images/HEFCEREF.pdf). Of particular interest may be Annex C: on open-access monographs... "We therefore wish to signal our intention to move towards an open-access requirement for monographs in the exercise that follows the next REF (expected in the mid-2020s)."