Support for technicians

Our commitment and support for technicians in the University of Dundee.

On this page
“A person who is trained and or skilled in the techniques, tools, and technology of their subject, who provides the practical application of knowledge, including hands-on support in directly contributing to teaching and learning, research and enterprise activities.”

The University of Dundee has adopted the Higher Education and Technician Educational Development (HEaTED) definition of a technician

Recognising the important role technicians play in research, teaching, and supporting students the University of Dundee signed the Technician Commitment in June 2021. The University has about 350 staff in the job category ‘Technical’. But, this does not include all individuals who work in a technical role.

The Technician Commitment is a national pledge to support technicians in universities and research institutions, across all disciplines. The Commitment includes 4 key areas:

  • Visibility
  • Recognition
  • Career Development
  • Sustainability

The Technician Commitment is led by a steering board of sector bodies. It has support from the Science Council and the Technicians Make It Happen campaign.

Technicians SharePoint

The Technicians SharePoint site contains information, support, and opportunities for technician staff at the University.

Governance

There are two groups responsible for the steering and delivery of the Technician Commitment. 

Technicians Commitment Steering Group Terms of Reference 

  1. To initiate and deliver actions aligned with the University's Technician Commitment obligations.
  2. To secure the long-term sustainability of technical skills throughout the University.
  3. To ensure the exchange of best practices with other institutions and organisations.

Reports to University Executive Group

Technicians Commitment Leads Group Terms of Reference

  1. To facilitate communication between the steering group and all technicians.
  2. To aid technicians in obtaining professional registration or recognition.
  3. To ensure technicians are identified in departments and their work to be recognised.
  4. To help build a vibrant cohort of technicians in the University through networking and learning events.
  5. To share examples of local good working from across the university.
  6. To build connections and opportunities for learning from best practice from across the local region.
  7. To propose and deliver career development opportunities for technicians.
  8. To serve as a pool to represent technicians on university committees (for example, as per H&S committee).

Reports to Technician Commitment Steering Group

Self assessment and action plan

Text logo with the words Technician Commitment

An important part of the Technician Commitment is conducting self-assessment, setting an action plan, and reviewing progress.

Our initial action plan outlines the activity we have planned for our first 2-year period as a signatory of the Technician Commitment.

Self assessment and action plan

Resources

Marine Engineering students in the lab

Key contacts

Name Role Email
Professor Nicola Stanley-Wall Academic Champion for Technician Commitment N.R.Stanleywall@dundee.ac.uk
Jennifer Gallagher Technician Champion for Technician Commitment j.z.gallagher@dundee.ac.uk
Andrew Dodds Technician Champion for Technician Commitment A.R.Dodds@dundee.ac.uk
Alasdair Napier Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design a.napier@dundee.ac.uk
Kirsty Thomson Library Services kthomson003@dundee.ac.uk
Dr Sandra Oza Research and Innovation s.l.oza@dundee.ac.uk
Adam Rodger School of Dentistry arodger001@dundee.ac.uk
Craig Phillips School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law c.i.phillips@dundee.ac.uk
Mark Dorward School of Life Sciences M.A.N.Dorward@dundee.ac.uk
Karen Bollan School of Medicine k.bollan@dundee.ac.uk
Calum MacRobert School of Science and Engineering cmacrobert001@dundee.ac.uk
Contact us