Following the announcement of the UK’s new £5.5 million national Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, we’ve created an opportunity for technicians, technical leaders and those with specialised work experiences, across all levels and disciplines, to get involved in shaping the work of the Institute. The ITSS Technical Council is opening its membership to the wider technical community to implement a diverse perspective and inclusion of new voices across the UK. There are no minimum or maximum requirements, just a willingness to shape the national landscape for technicians.
Members are expected to serve 2-year terms, after which the Council will be refreshed to allow a wide range of ideas and individuals to be included. Members will meet quarterly to advise the ITSS on the needs of the community, contribute to progressing ITSS programmes/initiatives and provide input on the assessment of internal submissions. They will act as ambassadors for the Institute and its activity. Whilst national in scope, the ITSS will be physically located at the University of Nottingham. This is a voluntary role, with a commitment of up to 5 working days per year. Any reasonable performance expenses will be compensated.
Paul Gilbert, Technical Manager, University of Liverpool and Chairperson, Technical Managers in Universities (TMU), will be co-chairing the Council said:
“The greatest reward of being a technical manager is in helping to guide and promote technical careers.
The new Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy will be in the vanguard of driving transformative technical skills development strategies and policy-making in the UK. The Technical Council will give technicians of all backgrounds the opportunity to contribute directly and ensure that the needs of the technical community are heard. It is such an exciting time to be a technician in the UK; we want the technician voice to be at the heart of all of the institute’s endeavours.”
Andy Filby, Head of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility at Newcastle University, will co-chair the Council alongside Paul and said:
“Being a technician for me is all about leading in the development of technologies and methodologies that help as many people as possible to drive their research forward. It is also important however, that technicians are recognised and rewarded for their achievements. Over the past few years we are finally seeing this happen but there is still more to achieve in this space.
I believe that the Technical Council, as part of the new UK Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy will act as an authentic voice and sounding board for the UK technical community, playing a key role in helping to drive the next stages in advancing technical skills and careers.”
Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director of Technical Skills and Strategy, University of Nottingham and Director, Technician Commitment and ITSS said:
“Our intention is that ITSS will be owned by technical community, not something that is ‘done’ to them. With Paul and Andy, representing both technical managerial and specialist backgrounds, co-chairing the Council, I have no doubt they will welcome a variety of experience and expertise in driving the Technical Council to best guide and progress the aims of ITSS. Becoming a member of the Technical Council is a wonderful opportunity for individuals looking to get involved with ITSS and having their input echo on a national level. I encourage those at all levels and disciplines to apply and I look forward to working with the new Council in the months ahead.”
To apply, simply fill out this expression of interest form before the deadline on 21 April 2023.
Find out more about Paul
Find out more about Andy
Find out more about Kelly
