The Library team has focused on building community and nurturing trust as part of their action planning following the last staff survey, helping the team understand the value and context of their work within the University and the sector as a whole. Find out about more about the work underway, including events and initiatives to share knowledge and support personal development:
Sharing knowledge and creating communities of practice
Keeping colleagues up to date is important, and we have introduced termly Library staff briefing sessions where everyone can come together and hear about activities and projects underway. Guest speakers from other Divisions also join us to share updates from across the University. We also hold a Library staff conference every summer, based on a specific theme and run over two half-days to ensure as many of our staff can attend as possible. In previous years we have focused on wellbeing and sustainability. This year’s conference will look at the impact of artificial intelligence on our work.
As well as regular briefings and events, we have introduced a variety of Community of Practice groups. Focusing on areas such as equality, diversity and inclusion, copyright, and decolonisation, the groups provide spaces for staff to explore and develop concepts that impact their work and grow their understanding in these areas. They enable colleagues to find out more about aspects of library work outside of their immediate roles, something we feel is valuable for professional development. To support this, we have also launched a jobs board where staff can find out about ongoing work in other Library teams they may want to participate in. On a more social note, we have also introduced termly ‘cake and catch up’ tea breaks along with ‘crafty lunchtime’ sessions for staff to share their non-work baking and crafting skills!
Developing an inclusive and supportive induction
Recognising that it is vital to provide colleagues with key information and useful context when they start working at Sussex, we have set up an induction task and finish group to understand what a consistent, inclusive and supportive induction process for new Library staff should include. The group, formed of colleagues in different roles and teams across the Library, is discussing new approaches such as bespoke induction packs, manager and staff checklists and a dedicated area on the Staff Hub. Areas being considered include pre-start requirements, mandatory knowledge and high-level information about the University and the wider Library Higher Education sector. Refresher sessions are also part of the suggested offer for existing staff.
If you would like more information about these initiatives, please contact Fiona Courage at: f.p.courage@sussex.ac.uk.
About our staff survey updates
Our monthly case studies highlight how Schools and Professional Services Divisions are using feedback from the staff survey to improve staff experience. You can view previous case studies on the staff survey webpage.