This was the 13th signatory event hosted by Technician Commitment. The event welcomed over 100 delegates representing 90+ universities, research institutions and supporter organisations, at Events @ No 6 in London.
We are proud to have also officially launched ‘Technicians in Higher Education and Research: An Insight into Technical Careers, Roles and Contributions’, recognising the 13 contributors who made the book possible.
Mel Leitch opened the event presenting several Technician Commitment updates, welcoming new signatories and supporters, Collaboration Fund key dates, upcoming UK ITSS learning and development opportunities and a spotlight on the shortlisted nominees for the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards ‘Outstanding Technician of the Year’. Many thanks to Jo Hartley-Metcalfe, Universities T Level Support Manager, UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS), who shared the current landscape of universities hosting T Levels and resources available to support higher education and research institute provision of this qualification.
Dr Simon Breeden, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment, workshopped the proposed criteria prior to pilot-launching the TC Index. The TC Index is a framework which will allow signatories to measure progress against the four pillars of the Technician Commitment (visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability), alongside their regular self-assessment submissions.
We also heard from Dr Ian Hancox, Co-Director, UK ITSS, on recent activities and opportunities led by the Technical Specialists Network Research Technical Professional Opportunities, Knowledge and Skills (TSN ROKS) project. He introduced two new networks: Environmental Sustainability Network (ESN) and Equality, Diversity, Inclusion Network (EDIN) to be hosted by the Institute.
Following this, Dr Clare Stevenson, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment, introduced network flash talks featuring representatives from Northern Ireland Universities Technician Network, London and South-East Regional Network, Research Institute Technician Group, Welsh Technician Network and the Scottish Technician Network.
Dr Catrin Harris, Research Fellow, TALENT, offered key findings from the newly published report ‘Strategic Technical Leadership: Advocacy, Empowerment and Transformation’ published by the UK ITSS Research and Policy Group.
Duncan Shermer, Head of Research Excellence Framework (REF) Evaluation and Development, closed the day’s proceedings with an insightful presentation of upcoming changes to REF 2029, including revised weightings reflecting a rebalanced definition of research excellence.
Introducing the value of ‘Technicians in Higher Education and Research: An Insight into Technical Careers, Roles and Contributions’, the evening reception heard speeches from
- Clare Viney, Chair of the Technician Commitment Steering Board and CEO of CRAC/Vitae
- Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive, UKRI
- Michelle Rea, Directory of Communications, Gatsby Foundation
- Tim Savage, Director of Technical Learning, University for the Creative Arts
- Victoria Talbot, Laboratory Manager, Harper Adams University
Following this, Clare Viney presented Submission and Impact Awards in recognition of institutions who have successfully progressed their latest action plans.
Many thanks to all who attended this event despite the snowy and icy conditions across the country. We appreciate delays impacted travel and are grateful for those who were able to join us on the day. The next signatory event will take place in Belfast on Wednesday 14 May 2025. Registrations will be made available in the new year.
See the presentations here.
View and download event photos here.
Find out more about the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.
