The UK funding bodies announced on 24 March 2020 that in recognition that institutions are needing to divert staff resource to other critical areas, including for those working in clinical and health-related fields, the REF2021 exercise was being put on hold. This means that the submission deadline on 27 November 2020 will no longer apply. However, the REF staff census date (31 July 2020) remains unchanged. A new submission deadline will be announced no later than eight months prior to the revised deadline, followoing a light touch consultation with universities on the revised REF timetable.
For the full announcement and letter from the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation to universities, see the REF website.