York backs Technician Commitment

Posted on 31 May 2017

The University of York has pledged its commitment to a sector-wide scheme aimed at addressing some of the key challenges facing technical staff working in research.

Technicians play a vital role at the University

The University is one of more than 35 universities and research institutions from across the UK to sign up to the Technician Commitment.

The initiative, led by the Science Council and supported by the Gatsby Foundation, has identified five key areas where universities and institutions will work to improve and safeguard vital technical skills.

The commitment will ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians across all disciplines.

The commitment was launched at the Higher Education Technicians Summit (31st May) in Warwick.

The initiative comes at a key time as the demand for technicians is increasing. More than 1.5 million technicians currently work in the UK, which is expected to rise by around 70,000 each year.

Professor Brian Fulton, Dean of Faculty of Sciences at York, welcomed the initiative.

He said: "The University has over 400 technical staff who provide invaluable support to our research and teaching. This welcome initiative by the Science Council will help us improve recognition of their contribution, provide structured training and improve career development."

Abby Mortimer, a technician in the Department of Chemistry, added: “Technicians are a vital part of the University. As a highly skilled and often specialised workforce, there are challenges regarding career development and progression.

“This initiative is an excellent way to tackle that, as well as improving recognition for the work we do.”

Belinda Phipps, CEO of the Science Council, said: “We are delighted to be leading on the Technician Commitment and to be working with partners across the higher education and research sector to elevate the status and profile of technicians.

“By working collectively we can ensure the future prosperity of technical skills in higher education and research.”

Further information:

To find out more about the Technician Commitment, visit www.technicians.org.uk/techniciancommitment

Founding Signatories

Aston University, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, Canterbury Christ Church University, Cardiff University, University of Central Lancashire, Cranfield University, University of Essex, University of Exeter, University of Hertfordshire, Imperial College London, Institute of Cancer Research (London), James Hutton Institute, John Innes Centre, Keele University, King’s College London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, London South Bank University, Loughborough University, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, University of Manchester, Open University, University of Oxford, Plymouth University, University of Reading, University of Sheffield, University of Strathclyde, University of Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Warwick, University College London, University of the West of England, University of York