Research Culture Workshop - Research & Innovation Professionals by Research Culture @ QUB https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7 en-us 2022-03-21 15:59:47 UTC 2022-03-29 14:42:07 UTC hello@padlet.com rpo10 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111741262 Use the ARMA examples to help stimulate discussion. Do these resonate? What other issues exist? What are the consequences of these issues, and why should we change them?]]> 2022-03-24 12:29:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111741262 rpo10 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111743444 You have 40 minutes for discussion:
  1. Agree on someone to add notes to Padlet, and someone to report back on behalf of the group
  2. Everyone introduce themselves, and explain your role (5 minutes)
  3. Then take 15 minutes to discuss each of the following questions 

Make sure to record your key discussion points in the Padlet during and after each question.
]]> 2022-03-24 12:30:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111743444 Example Issues for Q1 from ARMA Report rpo10 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111954848 •‘Them and us’ culture
•Reward and recognition
•Awareness of added value
•Bullying and harassment
•Unhealthy power dynamics
•Professional development 
•Career advancement
•Proxy for ‘the centre’
•Workload management
]]> 2022-03-24 14:15:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2111954848 hello https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2118955902 2022-03-29 09:10:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2118955902 Work load creep/changing tasks and duties https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119188816 Additional duties and supporting different tasks, historically undertaken by PhD Students in relation to literature review. These have now been cascaded down without consultation or reflection in career progression. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:05:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119188816 Them and Us https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119189609 We attempt to keep academics and researchers right but they don't understand what we do and our support is often considered negatively and we are seen as 'blockers'.  

]]> 2022-03-29 12:05:38 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119189609 Question 1 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119189749 Main issues and challenges]]> 2022-03-29 12:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119189749 Them and Us https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192112 It's important that there is greater transfer of skills between research and professional support and likewise sharing of experiences for those who have moved from research to support as a way of trying to help create understanding. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:07:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192112 Opaqueness https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192176 Lack of open communication around the research and innovation community coming from "on high" Our research is one of QUB's main assets and it's not given priority when it comes to Comms

]]> 2022-03-29 12:07:21 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192176 The use of "Support" term https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192811 That suggests we are subservient to academic staff. It diminishes our own experience and expertise. Many of us are delivering research and innovation activity in our own right. We bring knowledge and expertise that is complementary to academic staff. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:07:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119192811 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119193962 Workload is a major challenge. we are reactive rather than proactive. have to generate disclosure forms so balancing workload with being proactive is a challenge. 

Reactive marketing rather than proactive. 

Management of cases going through - licencing etc and staffing issues. Workload increases but staffing doesn't. Continually losing staff with in depth knowledge.


]]> 2022-03-29 12:08:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119193962 Recognition and Reward https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119195300 No clear pathway for recognition and reward, no objective mechanism for reporting work done and how that is valued and rewarded. No everything falls into a workplan, contribution to research not always recognised. e.g. valuing ideas rather than being seen as only a service provider.]]> 2022-03-29 12:09:32 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119195300 Workload management https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119196917 Difficulties in having to deliver a project that has perhaps been inappropriately costed to deliver externally funded research. Results in difficulties managing the project and budget constraints and more time required from staff to coordinate & deliver.]]> 2022-03-29 12:10:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119196917 Professional support https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119198866 This has perhaps been considered a more recent development and more senior staff either don't see a need for this or they don't believe they need any help. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:11:55 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119198866 Question 1 - Collaboration https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119199414 Them V Us - Support staff not always appreciated. Expected to respond immediately and sometimes seen as 'blockers'.

Certain roles viewed favourably by academics.

Sometimes them v us is among PS staff.

Accidental reproduction of work.

Some of this is a function of the complexity of the process.

Sometimes problem is caused by academics not engaging with PS staff at the right time.

Lack of respect for deadlines!

Processes struggle when having to address new things.


]]> 2022-03-29 12:12:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119199414 Resource https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201234 Not enough resource/support to deliver the work that is required. People not always trained to do the work that is asked. Hard to deliver the work that is linked to a particular strategy. Need a formal structure to learn new skills through training or shadowing]]> 2022-03-29 12:13:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201234 research Concept Development https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201299 we are contacted too late in the research concept development. If we could be involved from the start it would make the process easier and we can show the value we can bring]]> 2022-03-29 12:13:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201299 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201440 Historically there was a certain degree of autonomy and it was quite a tight unit with specific roles and domain expertise in various areas. We were recruited because of this expertise and it was collegiate and complementary to the academic staff. This is shifting with more university oversight and mission creep.  Challenge is demand from academics and it's difficult to say no because everything is strategic. We have to have an overarching understanding of all academic and PGR roles. Our expertise is sometimes disregarded because of the absence of a phd qualification. No recognition and value of our expertise. 

Object to the term 'support' which reduces what we do.]]> 2022-03-29 12:13:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119201440 Career Advancement https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119202670 Lack of clear trajectory on opportunities available or path. Also temporary posts and effort taken to work up relevant cases for these roles.  Frequently resulting in individuals moving and learning new roles.

]]> 2022-03-29 12:14:27 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119202670 Q1 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119203086 There is an 'us and them' attitude - that we are obstructive rather than facilitative. We want academics to know that we are here to support. 
More supportive attitude from ECR academics? Knowing the right people and getting them to positively influence others. 

People leave when culture is not rewarding - and this has an effect on teams.
Financially controlled - technicians and equipment should be supported by the University. More consistent funding. 

Lack of opportunity in the University for support staff. Why don't we make more of an effort to retain good staff and keep developing them? 

Do we sometimes forget what it's like outside the University? The University does provide good opportunity and working environment - and seen by those who have worked outside and come into the University. 

We shouldn't try to mimic the academic pathway, but we should find other ways of rewarding and retaining staff. 

Could be more focus on funding staff to develop in their current role. Development and progression 'in role' is difficult.

]]> 2022-03-29 12:14:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119203086 Workload management https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119203107 There is no cost to academic staff for our time therefore there is nothing to stop them demanding us to do anything. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:14:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119203107 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119205200 Timescales - not getting information early enough, lack of understanding, giving appropriate timescales for work to be completed]]> 2022-03-29 12:16:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119205200 Hierarchical structure https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119205820 Queen's can be very grade sensitive and in both the research/academic side but also within professional support services ]]> 2022-03-29 12:16:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119205820 Workload management https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206053 Lack of resilience in the system - Skelton staff in many places (leaving, retirement and peaks in demand causing issues).
Amount of work is not managed efficiently (time and deadline focused). Researchers growing skills set - more training needed for softs skill, time management and effective communication skills - healthier and more efficient - productive management.]]> 2022-03-29 12:16:37 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206053 Disconnect https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206262 Work at school level can feel different from central or other directorates, not enough sharing of information and who is doing what role. Would be good to have mentoring or peer support to share experiences. Different ways of working in Faculties and Schools]]> 2022-03-29 12:16:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206262 Room 4 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206418 Question 1
Did we agree with the voting in the mentimeter? 
Workload - COVID-19 had an impact on this
Example from WPU - expected to do all this research and evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes, as well as actually facilitate the programmes. A lot more focus is on evidence based. Everything seems like "firefighting."

Lack of training in this research (literature reviews). 

Expectations due to COVID-19 to work beyond 9-5 if projects need finished, you would beyond what you are typically scheduled. If you were in the office you would go home, but as you are working from home there is a temptation to just continue doing work. 

Power and dynamics seem more extreme than bullying and harassment.  

Example - Kirsty technician. Positive power dynamics, well supported (UK initiative). Reward and recognition for that. This is formalised. Technical managers meet up 2-3 months to discuss progression and different issues.

 ]]> 2022-03-29 12:16:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119206418 Harmonisation https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119207376 If there is some way to harmonise policies across the universities.]]> 2022-03-29 12:17:24 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119207376 Communication and understanding eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119207921 A lack of understanding of who does what
Lack of understanding of steps required behind processes


]]> 2022-03-29 12:17:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119207921 Q2 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208123 Creation of silos - support staff in schools and Directorates - not a clear view across what is happening. Integrating across these spaces would be good. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:17:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208123 Career Planning https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208257 Hard to plan a career pathway]]> 2022-03-29 12:17:58 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208257 Question 1 - workload https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208331 PS staff have little control over the workload - it's more needs based and reactive.

No chance to be proactive - always firefighting.

Deadlines often ignored.

Demand on academic time is an issue that spills over to PS staff.

]]> 2022-03-29 12:18:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208331 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208465 In a marketing role it can be difficult to know where to find the support within the university from others in similar roles. Sharing problem solving.

Unrealistic expectations. We can't support staff unless they support us and understand how the systems work. 

Even in Research and Enterprise we are not sure of the responsibilities.

Ultimately the Faculty has responsibility for what we do. There is an inter PVC rivalry which is unhelpful. Would be good to have a diagram of reporting structures to understand the dynamics. I am funded on a programme and the University requests a lot of other tasks/responsibilities that are not necessarily supported by the funders.]]> 2022-03-29 12:18:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119208465 Scholarship eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119209668 Lack of support for scholarship for non-academics, little support to publish papers, funding for conferences, sharing good practice etc. We need to showcase our work on teaching and learning across the University, not currently being done

]]> 2022-03-29 12:18:51 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119209668 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210260 If you say no, people will work around you. Clearer roles and reporting structures would be helpful.]]> 2022-03-29 12:19:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210260 Career Progression https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210685 Need more transparent pathways for progression]]> 2022-03-29 12:19:29 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210685 Managing projects eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210825 Need to build in time in funding bids for research administrators for projects/ centres]]> 2022-03-29 12:19:35 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119210825 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119211646 Important that staff know exactly what their role is.
Issues with hierarchical structure.
Importance of taking a team-based approach.
Is an academic lead always required? More opportunities/recognition needed for research support, including for outcomes. Academics do not always need/want these roles.
Unrealistic expectations of workload capacity.
Research support services (clerical/admin/technical) - need more consideration in project definitions. Not included in R&E funding factors. Should be consultation around this, involving everyone to be involved, right at the beginning and a policy is needed to address this. Support services need to feel valued and workload taken into account.
"Innovation" used as a term too often - does not naturally follow research.
In order to create innovation opportunities some research goals/targets may need to be challenged.]]> 2022-03-29 12:20:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119211646 Duplication/lack of collaboration eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119213150 Due to lack of knowledge and/or a lack of collaborative processes there is a lot of unnecessary duplication across the University. This often leads to wrong/outdated information being disseminated.]]> 2022-03-29 12:21:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119213150 Team instability eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119214665 Due to many people leaving their posts, their knowledge has been lost (lack of collaboration) and also aspects of these roles are outsourced to other current staff, increasing current staff workload. These additional jobs are never "taken back"

]]> 2022-03-29 12:22:06 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119214665 Technical Staff advancement https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215062 Grant funded staff can't progress throughout the term of the contract]]> 2022-03-29 12:22:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215062 Accessibility https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215587 Need to get back to doing drop in sessions where those involved in supporting research are more accessible but also need to continue with Teams meetings so people can avail of the support they are comfortable with. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:22:28 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215587 Q2. Added resilience in the system https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215892 Overlap of knowledge transfer when recruitment for roles takes place. At present it is rare when the incumbent in the role is available to the new hire for sharing and exchange for on-boarding and grounding. Can this be addressed by prioritizing certain roles in expediting the recruitment process ]]> 2022-03-29 12:22:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119215892 Q2 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119216896 Communication of job roles is important. If academic colleagues understand what we do, it is less likely that they will out us under, for example, inappropriate pressure because of rapid deadlines. They should understand they are not the only people we are servicing. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:23:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119216896 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119218866 Better defined roles is really helpful. To know who to approach. 

Pre-award and post-award team. A hierarchical structure of who's who, starting at the local level and feeding into a Master structure. 

Organogram would be helpful. Updated twice per year. Details of roles under each Directorate. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:24:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119218866 Technical Staff Progression https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119219010 Glass ceiling for staff needs to be lifted (as in some other universities) to allow people to progress]]> 2022-03-29 12:24:40 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119219010 Career progression/prospects eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119219623 Need to have clear progression prospects - people are stifled at grades 7 with no opportunity for a grade 8 in the same sort of role. Want to develop within Queen's]]> 2022-03-29 12:25:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119219623 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119221788 No career technician or career postdocs jobs, demotivating for staff and PIs who need to be looking for a new job towards the end of their contract]]> 2022-03-29 12:26:22 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119221788 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119224565 Filling vacant posts needs to be faster. If a way could be found of getting the ball rolling sooner.

Flexibility of working from home has been of great benefit. Queen's has been good at providing that flexibility to manage work/home life. Staff are working very hard from home.


]]> 2022-03-29 12:27:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119224565 More flexibility re teaching eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119224606 Issue with Canvas for teaching something that is not a current module - CED, GS are not included on the same Canvas, don't have same resources/templates available. Need more streamlined process ]]> 2022-03-29 12:27:56 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119224606 Simplify structures https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226157 There are too many people for academics to navigate as to who get the right answer from. Someone who acts navigator to ensure that the right support can be gained. Possible development of a handbook for all staff, identify key people and persons take responsibility for making contact (as is done in the Graduate School).]]> 2022-03-29 12:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226157 communication eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226421 Need specific information to be relayed appropriately by management to ensure the work is be carried out correctly

Professional staff need to be included earlier on in projects etc so that they don't end up having to fix problems that should not have happened in the first place.]]> 2022-03-29 12:29:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226421 Awareness https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226694 Senior management need to understand the role of support staff and their needs]]> 2022-03-29 12:29:11 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119226694 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119227751 Good idea of have events such as this and the network also and initiatives such as staff fora]]> 2022-03-29 12:29:44 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119227751 Consistency in communication eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119228170 Sometimes have to go though a few people in order to get the right information.]]> 2022-03-29 12:30:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119228170 Career Development https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119228637 Years on a temporary contract is not sustainable - can these be made permanent. School recognized the value & Faculty preventing permeant posts.  Faculty focuses on costs to run rather than the contribution to research.  

Financial driven model rather than impact or research output focused.  Can this be changes

Short term moves to help School - Shortages are no longer temporary - people stretched beyond capabilities and capacity.

]]> 2022-03-29 12:30:16 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119228637 Question 2 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119230085 Help academics better understand PS processes.

Improve the training and induction to academic staff on navigating processes.

All academic and PS staff involved in the research ecosystem should access high-quality, easily-understood training material.

Work is needed on joining up our support.

Training would have to be well designed and structured. Made interactive if possible.

Produce an easy to read handbook for research support.

Do we have a shared objective? Are we all pursuing the same result?

]]> 2022-03-29 12:31:02 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119230085 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119230436 We're not there to hinder, we're there to help]]> 2022-03-29 12:31:14 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119230436 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119231186 Them and Us - Professional services cannot financially benefit from external consulting, although there is added value from their work for the University. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:31:43 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119231186 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119232878 from a practical point of view a flow chart or road map of who is who and their role of all the people required get to the end result ]]> 2022-03-29 12:32:47 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119232878 Priorities https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119233340 The hierarchy of the University need to respect that others have planned and scheduled their workload and to respect this. Eg the HEA call and the manner in which the deadlines where imposed. All need to follow processes. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:33:03 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119233340 Continuity of staff eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119233573 Have staff/role stability so that staff are invested in learning the proper processes - a lot of time is lost upskilling people who don't stay]]> 2022-03-29 12:33:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119233573 Newly established increased flexibility (flexible hours, occasional working from home) are huge help, especially when faced with dearth of other rewards and incentives. https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119234103 2022-03-29 12:33:34 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119234103 Room 4 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119235095 Question 2 
Lack of training 
Formalisation with the technicians agreement 

How can workload management be improved?
- Communication 
- Set up of collaborative tool. Microsoft planner?
- Couple of hours dedicated to not answering emails/respond to teams chats. Constant disturbances. Time to "switch off" from this and concentrate on research activities would be beneficial. 
- Friday afternoons admin time? Depends on work structures. 
- 10-4 availability. Buffer at the start and end of the day. 
- Protected time
- Teams etiquette (respecting that it isn't instant messaging) 

Professional development and career advancement 
- 'Off the record' comments regarding funding for researchers, although being told that it isn't a priority 
- You may feel capable of it, but it would be beneficial to access training courses that are funded
- Tied to the issue how valued people feel and workload management 
- PDRs are difficult to show CPD, you can demonstrate achievements
- Itrent not accessible for professional services 
- More collaboration opportunities 
*Lack of communication/collaboration is not purposeful, it's just a matter of "this needs done" 
- Opportunities for support staff to meet 


]]> 2022-03-29 12:34:10 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119235095 Re-evaluate research support posts, especially those on clerical levels that haven't been looked at for decades. Many of those acquired vast ranges of duties and responsibilities that should belong to professional rather than clerical grades. https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119237741 2022-03-29 12:35:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119237741 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119238903 More specific training and development needed for particular roles]]> 2022-03-29 12:36:18 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119238903 Conditions of research contracts https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119239393 Rename Professional Support. The title doesn't reflect the value to the University. 

Those on research contracts should be able to avail of the same annual leave as permanent employees. This would help morale and motivation. There is variation in benefits across contracts. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:36:36 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119239393 Accessibility/inclusivity eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119242288 Need to have consistent approach to accessibility following the appropriate formuat across the whole university.
For example, learning sign language (on a personal basis) really helped with working with students in the University.]]> 2022-03-29 12:38:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119242288 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119242520 There are a lot of systems and processes in place that have been there for a long time - they don't always represent the best way of doing things. Review required - reduce bureaucracy (e.g. too many forms) and increase flexibility. Needs to match idea of agile modes of working.
Support staff are seen as people who hold a post and there needs to be more encouragement - and tangible rewards - for them to develop within their post. To progress, you should not be required to apply for a different post, internally or externally (whereby that staff member's valuable knowledge is lost). Should be possible for posts to be re-graded as they grow over time. Volume of work and its importance to the business need to be taken into account, not just the nature of the work.
There needs to be better definition of what the role of a PGR is in project proposals, and then what is needed from support services over and above that.]]> 2022-03-29 12:38:22 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119242520 Saying thank you eoconnor80 https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119243478 In some Schools you are thanked for doing something and it is really appreciated. In other places it is rare.. A thank you is always appreciated]]> 2022-03-29 12:39:01 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119243478 Moving up salary scales https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119244432 Greater transparency needed on how to progress into the level between salary scales - how to people move into the area between scales? HR need to be clearer on how this works]]> 2022-03-29 12:39:33 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119244432 Empowerment https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119245175 Need to empower those in support functions so they can effectively manage their own workloads, e.g. for funding deadlines - set an internal deadline to facilitate all the due diligence that needs to be undertaken etc. ]]> 2022-03-29 12:40:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119245175 Reward and Recognition https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119248363 Sometimes a simple acknowledgement is enough! 

]]> 2022-03-29 12:41:48 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119248363 Secondment and mentoring Support https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119250688 Provide the opportunity to spend time in other parts of the university to find out what they do and how you can help. Also a mentoring programme of sorts where newer staff can get support from longer term staff]]> 2022-03-29 12:43:12 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119250688 Them and US https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119276824 When celebrating success, every person involved should be acknowledged - eg Finance for a grant costing, IT for data management plan, Research Development for reviewing application etc]]> 2022-03-29 12:58:15 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119276824 Work Life Balance https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119478184 The agility and flexibility to perform our roles as efficiently as possible during the 2 years of disruption due to covid has been welcomed. This offered individuals and teams the option to WFH as they see fit, so allowing them to hopefully obtain an adequate work life balance whilst maintaining efficiency - this is appreciated. Commitment to maintaining this agility or hybrid model should be confirmed as a reward to the efforts and success of all employees.

The autonomy to plan within parameters your work load is also beneficial. Less frustration and heightened sense of satisfaction in delivering your 'to-do list' as planned.


]]> 2022-03-29 14:27:05 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119478184 Awareness of added value https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119513646 There can be alot of reactive activity in Professional support and not enough time dedicated to proactively mapping or deciding priorities and research opportunities to pursue.  This is changing with the City Deals focus.

Visibility of process maps would be help in communicating our roles, remit and sphere of expertise to colleagues - diagrams or figures, maps are better that long descriptions.

Succession planning appears to be not considered or valued it can lead to gaps when staff leave and there is no backfill for many months.  This should be prioritized with tailored training built in to support individuals at all levels of development.


]]> 2022-03-29 14:42:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rpo10/qakw62inepdvakg7/wish/2119513646