Making our senior leaders more visible

27 Aug 2018

Informal opportunities to meet senior leaders - action from Staff Survey 2017

The Faculty of Science and Engineering have invested heavily to provide informal opportunities for staff to meet its senior leaders.

What has now become part of the Faculty’s calendar, staff can meet Rachel Brealey, Director of Faculty Operations (DoFO), at her six weekly coffee mornings which tour the Faculty’s different buildings and the Dean, Professor Martin Schröder, hosts an incredibly popular BBQ every July. Come Christmas they jointly host the Faculty’s Christmas Party in the grand Entrance Hall within Sackville Street Building.

These events not only provide informal networking opportunities for staff, but also form part of the Faculty recognising and thanking staff for their hard work. Increasing Rachel and Martin’s visibility has been welcomed by staff. Feedback from the 2018 Dean’s Summer BBQ included:

“It’s a simple yet great initiative and I think speaks volumes about his [Martin’s] appreciation of his team, it sets a good example for us as leaders.”

“I think it’s a great gesture and shows staff that the University/Faculty does appreciate their contribution - always difficult when it’s such a large organisation but this really does work.” 

As well as these informal events Rachel Brealey was the first DoFO to produce a monthly video Team Brief for PSS Staff and the Dean has hosted many open meetings regarding issues effecting staff including workspace design for the Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) and Faculty Review.