University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is the latest signatory to the Technician Commitment, a sector-wide initiative to help address key challenges facing technical staff in teaching and research

Launched in 2017, the Technician Commitment is a higher education and research institute initiative that seeks to ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians across all disciplines.

After signing UWS’s pledge, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller said: “Technicians are an integral part of the multidisciplinary team approach we adopt at UWS. By signing the Technician Commitment, we are recognising how important our technicians are and acknowledging the contribution they make to the University and the success of our students and staff.”

Technicians play a key role in the student experience at UWS by demonstrating complex technical skills and equipment, assisting the delivery of teaching, and maintaining and managing specialist facilities.

There are around 150 technicians working across UWS’s four academic schools and five campuses.

Dr James Thompson, Deputy Dean, School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences will be UWS’s institutional lead for the Technician Commitment. 

“It’s a great privilege to be appointed as the University’s institutional lead for the Technician Commitment. I know from my own career the fundamental role technicians play in the running of a successful university and I’m looking forward to enhancing the experience for all technicians at UWS.”
Dr James Thompson, Deputy Dean, School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences

By signing the Technician Commitment, UWS is committed to creating better opportunities for technical staff through professional development, long term technical skills and expertise and recognition through professional recognition and awards.

Dr Thompson will lead a new Technician Commitment Working Group, which will be seeking the views and feedback from our technical staff to create a two-year action plan detailing the initiatives and activities under the commitment to promote to technicians at UWS.

Mel Leitch, Associate Lead, Technician Commitment welcomed the news saying: 

“University of the West of Scotland is one of the latest Scottish universities to join the Technician Commitment, underscoring its dedication to advancing technical skills and professional development. By becoming a signatory, the University aims to enhance career opportunities for technicians, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve. This initiative will foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, benefiting both staff and students alike and I look forward to working with them in the future.”
Mel Leitch, Associate Lead

The Technician Commitment has garnered support from 120 universities and research institutes across the United Kingdom, along with endorsements from research funders, learned societies, and professional bodies. Responding to increasing global interest, the commitment opened its doors to international signatories in 2023. Signatories meet twice a year to develop a community of practice and offer opportunities to network with other institutions to share best practice.