The value and importance placed on technical staff by the University of Sheffield has been recognised with a prestigious Science Council Employer Champion Award.
Belinda Phipps, CEO of the Science Council, presented the award to the University's President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Keith Burnett at TechNet – its celebratory networking event for technical staff.
The special event saw technicians from the University receive their Professional Registration Awards, as well as a talk by Sir Keith – who is also President of the Science Council – on the important role that technicians play in higher education and their impact on the UK economy.
Director of HR and Communications, Tracy Wray also gave a talk on the actions the University is taking to support the apprenticeship scheme.
A pledge for technical commitment
Earlier this year, The University of Sheffield pledged to support its technicians through the Technical Commitment initiative, a sector-wide programme aiming to address the key challenges facing technical staff. It also took part in the ‘Technicians Make It Happen’ campaign, showcasing the vital work of its 700 talented technical colleagues.
In 2016, the University launched the UK’s first National Centre for Professional Technicians in Higher Education, which brings together experts and resources for universities in the UK to deliver a sustainable future for technical staff and services in the 21st century.
The Science Council’s award also follows the University's Technical Development and Modernisation Project, in partnership with the Institute of Science and Technology (IST), which seeks to understand and find solutions to the looming crisis in technical expertise in the UK.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett said: "It gives me very great pleasure to accept the Employer Champion Award, both as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield and as President of the Science Council. Both organisations are deeply committed to the vital importance of technical staff and to their development."
He added “Our University is deeply committed to technical education and professional development and we recognise the vital importance of technicians to the future of scholarship and the UK. We know that to thrive in the future, we will need all the skills which allow us to discover and understand the world, to address its challenges and to create the wealth the nation will need in the years ahead."
Highly commended employer
Recognised as one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK by The Sunday Times, there are some excellent roles available now at the University of Sheffield.
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