Technicians get national recognition they deserve

We’re one of the founding signatories of the Technician Commitment, a national initiative to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Universities and research institutes are now being invited to become signatories of the Technician Commitment and pledge action against the key challenges affecting their technical staff.

Jenna Hopkins, who is working on the review of technical support within the University, said: “Historically across all industries technicians have been under represented and undervalued for the essential work that they do. The Technician Commitment is an important step to proactively addressing this, and ensuring our technicians at Essex receive the recognition they deserve.

”To become a signatory the University produced and submitted a two year action plan to support the four key aims of the commitment which are increasing visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability.

“Technicians were central to shaping the action plan though their feedback, and through representatives on the task and finish group.”

Our action plan was launched within the University by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) Christine Raines and Deputy Dean (Research) (Science and Health) Professor Alan St Clair Gibson.

The University was presented with an Award of Submission at  a special national event for the initial signatories  held at the Jaguar Experience Castle Bromwich in recognition of the progress made on our Technician Commitment work.

Our photo shows Jenna Hopkins receiving our award from Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of the Science Council.