Technicians' Programme - Case Study

Change and Transformation Case Study

Oxford has over 1,400 technical staff members who work across the University in a variety of specialised roles. Technicians are involved in a vast array of activities in addition to their core role. They also collaborate with colleagues in other divisions and outside the University.

As a signatory to the Technician Commitment, the University is keen to increase the visibility of technicians, ensure they are better recognised for the valuable work they do, and support them with professional development and career progression.

 

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The Vice-Chancellor is sponsoring a major programme of work to better support the career development of all technical staff; including those involved in lab-based research and teaching, IT and AV work, building and facilities services, and those who work in technical roles in libraries and museums.

This programme of work is led by Dr Jennifer Allen, Organisational Development Consultant in the People and Organisational Development team.

The Technicians’ Programme of work at Oxford, initially funded for two years by Research England (the enhancing research culture fund), includes:

  • A survey of technicians’ skills and responsibilities, completed in Michaelmas 2023
  • A well attended online and in-person launch event held in Michaelmas 2023
  • Appointment of technician champions from different parts of the University, to represent technicians and communicate their needs. This includes work to raise the profile of technicians and support their professional development 
  • Regular events to bring together technicians from across the University, for networking, training and career development opportunities
  • A new video series - 'Oxford's Technicians: Stories from hidden experts' - for more please see our video page
  • New communities of practice for technicians, to promote knowledge sharing and career development amongst colleagues in the same specialist areas.
  • Definition of career pathways for technicians, providing greater clarity on how to progress between technical roles
  • A wide-ranging action plan, to be developed through consultation with technical staff and in alignment with the Researcher Concordat Action Plan

 I have spent much of my career working alongside talented and committed technicians, who play a vital role in our excellent research and teaching at this University, yet their contribution can sometimes go unrecognised. This is why I am delighted to endorse this new programme of work to better support technicians across Oxford. 

- Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor

Related links

Supporting Technicians

Communities of Practice

Organisational development links

Change and Transformation

Management and Leadership Development

Fostering Positive Culture

Organisational Structure and Design

Strategic Planning

Team Effectiveness