however their combined value could be strengthened if the rsas were more effective and there were more opportunities to share good practice across the higher education system however there is limited use of this practice and no institutional plans to use it beyond a few key fields where it is wellestablished frplich etal this type of arrangement may be constrained by the appointment and promotion regulations for teaching and research academic posts such as the requirements of a certain minimum qualification to teach and the role of research in career progression should social partners personnel wish to stay longterm in the academic profession