The two widespread main criticisms of the current arrangements for the RAE are the burden that it places on researchers and the possible distortions it encourages. It is therefore important to explore ways of reducing the burden on the community and a greater use of metrics may help, although there is a need to retain peer review panels. The Society believes that replacing the current grades 1-5* with a profiling system would be a more satisfactory basis for distributing Funding Counil research funds and reduce the pressure on universities.