The University has approved funding to support key activities within our Technician Commitment initiative, which will increase the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technicians at Sussex. These will include a dedicated training fund for technicians and specialist technical skills, professional registration applications and funding for events.
The Technician Commitment is a national initiative to improve the working lives of technicians in higher education and research institutions. Having signed the Technician Commitment in 2022, the University established a dedicated Steering Group to oversee and meet the University’s signatory obligations. The Steering Group has since gone on to win an award from the National Technician Commitment board for plans it submitted to deliver on the Commitment at Sussex.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil said:
“Technical staff make a vital contribution to our work here at Sussex, and it is important that the University supports their development and career progression. This funding reflects our commitment to technicians and I am encouraged to see so much good work already underway to support technical staff and help us progress in our aim to be an employer of choice.“
Our approach to the Technician Commitment
Following discussion and engagement with technicians from across the University over the past six months, agreement has been reached on how the Technician Commitment work will be undertaken at Sussex.
The commitment has four themes (Visibility, Recognition, Career Development and Sustainability) and two key areas are being focused on for each theme, including both quick actions and longer-term strategic improvements.
The University has pledged an initial fund towards the set-up of strategic actions, and we are looking at long-term funding to retain the momentum of this initiative.
What the money will fund
A central fund will be established for training for technician and technical skills. This aims to improve career development for technicians and sustainability of technical skills for the University. Applications will be assessed by an independent group, with weighting towards group training and courses that meet the future needs of Schools and research themes.
Funding will also be provided for initial costs for technicians to sign up to professional bodies. This will reduce the financial pressure on technicians to pay for this themselves and bring benefits to the University’s technical support. Professional registration can bring greater recognition, learning opportunities, tracked progression and links to other organisations.
Technician colleagues will be contacted directly on how to access the specific funding.
Our recent technician engagement event, the first of its kind at Sussex, will now take place annually and future technician conferences will promote best practice, encourage collaborative thinking and highlight career development options.
Alongside funded elements, the University is taking other steps to help meet its obligations, including dedicated time for continuing professional development, skill sharing, appropriate authorship on papers and career ladders.
Dr Rob Fowler, Chair of the Technician Commitment Working Group said:
“This is a great step towards making the working lives of technicians across the University better, and allowing their skills and expertise to be recognised and widely celebrated across the broad range of areas they support and manage. I can’t wait to use this money to bring this work together, setting up events, supporting specialist training initiatives and encouraging professional registration.”
Professor Sarah Guthrie, University Project Executive for the Technician Commitment initiative at Sussex, said:
“This is a great step forward for the University, technicians and the Schools they work within. It shows the commitment and appreciation the University has for these members of staff and their specialist skills. I look forward to working with the team to achieve our Technician Commitment aims.“