Technician Commitment Action Plan

Technical professionals underpin the world-leading innovation, student engagement and knowledge exchange of our University. With technical professionals embedded within our Academic Departments and Research Institutes and across Library and Collections, Student Experience, Estates and Facilities and Computer and Information Services, technical staff make a tangible difference to Durham's community, enabling it to flourish and thrive. From our mechanical workshops and quantum labs to student theatres, music studios and special collections, our technical staff enable and produce a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge research, innovation-led education and student enrichment.

Technician Commitment Phase 1 Action Plan

In 2019, Durham University formally signed the Technician Commitment and formed the Technician Commitment Steering Group (now the Durham Technical Professionals Committee) to ensure compliance with and advancement of the Technician Commitment Action Plan. 

Durham University Phase 1 Action Plan

Technician Commitment Phase 2 Action Plan 

Our Phase 2 Action Plan builds upon the excellent work already under way by technical professionals across the University. It is designed to enable the development of our technical community, from our apprentice technicians through to our senior technical managers and leaders of specialist research facilities.

Our vision is to advance technical career pathways, acknowledge and celebrate technical excellence, and seek out new opportunities for leadership roles for our technical staff and to develop the next generation of technical professionals with viable career routes.

It will deliver this through six pillars of activity:

• Career Development
• Supporting Structures
• Recognition
• Visibility
• Sustainable Workforce
• Enhanced Training

These pillars build upon the actions of the Technician Commitment and are aligned to the University Strategy 2017-2027 and the N8 Research Partnership's commitment to the TALENT Commission recommendations.

This 3-year plan seeks to develop and sustain technical careers at Durham and advance the influence and advocation of technical expertise in both the research and education environments. More broadly, our Phase 2 plan seeks to respond to the needs and evolving landscape of the region by enabling a dynamic and agile technical professional workforce that can offer and deliver critical expertise and facilities to stakeholders across the region.

Our Phase 2 Action Plan supports the delivery of the University Strategy allowing technical professionals at Durham to thrive and flourish. It aims to create a more inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities for technical staff to advance their careers. It hopes to enable new collaborations and be a catalyst for technical exchanges that supports and enables our researchers and technicians to deliver impactful activities that transform lives.

Durham University Technician Commitment Phase 2 Action Plan 2025-2027