REF 2021 decisions on outputs - Open Access

"Earlier this week, the REF 2021 Decisions on staff and outputs was published. This document outlines the decisions made by the funding bodies about some key areas for REF 2021, including staff and outputs. These decisions were made following a period of consultation. An interesting point in the open access section on page 8, states that there is ‘significant progress’ towards increasing the amount of research available open access in the UK. This is good news! Then we come to the potentially confusing messages about depositing outputs. The first rule which comes into effect on 1st April 2018, is that outputs should be deposited ‘as soon after the date of acceptance as possible’ and within three months of the acceptance date. However, there is also another rule, called a deposit exception, which will also come into effect on 1st April 2018. This states that outputs which are ‘unable to meet this deposit timescale’ will be eligible if they are deposited within three months of publication. What does the phrase ‘unable to meet’ the depositing deadline actually mean? Do you need to prove that something outwith your control prevented you from depositing your output?"