Staff Survey 2017 in action – research staff
25 Jun 2018
It has now been a year since the results of the Staff Survey 2017 were released and in that time, a breadth of activity has taken place across the University
We have responded to a key survey finding showing that you feel less valued than other staff groups. To ensure that you feel better valued and supported and that your voice and contribution is made part of the University communications and decision-making processes we have established and embedded a network of over 50 research staff representatives across the University.
Faculty Research Staff Forum meetings bring representatives together three times a year to discuss ideas and concerns with key people and groups (including Faculty Leads for Research, Researcher Development Teams, Research Support Services and Communications Teams). Reps also act as an important channel through which announcements and opportunities such as funding, training and surveys are disseminated. They also provide invaluable input into Faculty and University Athena Swan and Concordat Implementation Groups. Collectively we aim to develop policy and practice to drive forward research and research staff careers.
Research staff representatives are already making a significant impact:
FSE
FSE reps represented University research staff at the First National Postdoc conference 'Postdocs, Policy and the Future', where the future of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers was reviewed. University-wide, working groups have now been set up to develop recommendations regarding Concordat implementation.
FSE reps have consulted widely with Research Staff to recognise current best practice with a view to replicate this across the Faculty. Best practice includes welcome events and support for new Research Staff, support from Schools for events and internships, career development activities supporting fellowships, lectureships, alternative/industrial careers, teaching and advisory mentoring.
FSE research staff also take part in many social events including monthly coffee mornings, happy hour/informal social events, away days, walks and visits to the Christmas markets.
FBMH
FBMH reps have provided important representation of Research Staff on School Leadership Team, Research Committee, Promotion Committee and have worked closely with the Vice-Dean for Research to develop new review processes to support Research Fellows.
FBMH reps supported by School funding have organised highly successful Research Staff Away Days and bespoke training and social events to share research ideas, and support grant and fellowship writing, appraisals, promotion and teaching practice.
FBMH reps have consulted with research staff and conducted surveys to identify training needs and evaluate the uptake and effectiveness of appraisal/P&DR resulting in key recommendations for enhanced careers support.
FHums
FHums reps are delighted to be working with the new Associate Dean for Research to develop a programme of activities for the Hums Research Staff Network. They will be working over the summer on this programme, which will be advertised in September.
FHums had a fantastically successful Researcher Day in April on ‘Future-Proofing’ your research career. As well as networking opportunities they had input from The University of Manchester Communications Team, Business Engagement, The University of Manchester Library, Research IT and Staff Learning Development.
FHums are also growing their social media presence in order to connect researchers and research staff with opportunities. You can follow them on Twitter @HumsResearchers and Facebook HumsResearchers at UoM.
There are still opportunities for you to become a Rep, or if you want to find out who your Research Staff Rep is, please contact the Researcher Development Teams.
FSE Researcher Development Team - fse-grads@manchester.ac.uk
FBMH Researcher Development Team - acadresdev@manchester.ac.uk
FHums Researcher Development Team - humanities-training@manchester.ac.uk
Pictured: FBMH Research Staff Reps