Support for technicians

Recognising the important role technicians play in research, teaching, and supporting students the University of Dundee signed the Technician Commitment in June 2021. The University has about 350 staff in the job category ‘Technical’. But, this does not include all individuals who work in a technical role.

The Technician Commitment is a national pledge to support technicians in universities and research institutions, across all disciplines. The Commitment includes 4 key areas:

• Visibility
• Recognition
• Career Development
• Sustainability

The Technician Commitment is led by a steering board of sector bodies. It has support from the Science Council and the Technicians Make It Happen campaign.

Technicians SharePoint

The Technicians SharePoint site contains information, support, and opportunities for technician staff at the University.

Governance

There are two groups responsible for the steering and delivery of the Technician Commitment. 

Members of Technicians Commitment Steering Group

• Director of People, Elise Gallagher (Chair)
• Director of Estates and Campus Services, Rose Jenkins
• Head of Talent and Development, Lisa Anderson
• Trade Union Representative, Tamara Richardson
• Academic Champion for Technician Commitment, Professor Nicola Stanley-Wall
• Technical Champion(s) for Technician Commitment, Andrew Dodds and Jen Gallagher
   

Technicians Commitment Steering Group Terms of Reference 

• To advocate for the University of Dundee's technical community.
• To initiate and deliver actions aligned with the University's Technician Commitment obligations.
• To secure the long-term sustainability and availability of technical skills throughout the University.
• To ensure the exchange of best practices with other institutions and organisations.

Reports to University Executive Group

Technicians Commitment Leads Group Terms of Reference

• To advocate for the University of Dundee's technical community.
• To promote, nurture, and empower technicians to reach their potential.
• To facilitate communication between the steering group and local technicians.
• To aid technicians in obtaining professional registration or recognition.
• To ensure technicians are identified in departments and their work is recognised.
• To help build a vibrant cohort of technicians in the University through networking and learning events.
• To share examples of local good working from across the university.
• To build connections and opportunities for learning from best practices from across the local region.
• To propose and deliver career development opportunities for technicians.
• To serve as a pool to represent technicians on university committees (for example, as per the H&S committee).

Reports to Technician Commitment Steering Group