University of Hertfordshire wins Technician Commitment Impact Award

The University of Hertfordshire has been awarded a Technician Commitment Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of technical skills and roles.

Hosted by the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, the Technician Commitment is a university and research institution charter-initiative. Universities and research institutes are invited to become signatories of the Technician Commitment and pledge action to tackle the key challenges affecting their technical staff.

Alex Kingstrom, Technical Manager in the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science and Technician Commitment Lead collected the award on behalf of Herts at the celebratory event held in London on 19 November 2024.

Alex said: “I am delighted that the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised with an Impact Award from the Technician Commitment, and I am proud to collect the award on behalf of our technical staff. This award represents the positive steps taken by Herts to ensure that technicians’ skills are recognised, valued and developed throughout their careers. I would like to thank the Technician Commitment Steering Group, Professor Daniel McCluskey as our Technician Commitment Champion, and Professor Quintin McKellar and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for the incredible support for the programme.”

The Technician Commitment is a sector-wide initiative created in 2017 to support technical staff across all disciplines working in higher education and research to ensure visibility and provide institutions with the tools for technical staff to develop and succeed.

Through their skills, knowledge and expertise, the university’s technical staff provide crucial support and assistance to staff and students at Herts to make a significant impact on learning and teaching, research and the student and staff experience. Herts is committed to supporting and celebrating the vital role that they play.

Professor Daniel McCluskey, Dean of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, and Technician Commitment Champion, said: “The Herts student journey is underpinned by the outstanding technical expertise of our staff, and the Technician Commitment Impact Award demonstrates our dedication to championing our fantastic technical staff, and ensuring we create an environment that enables everyone to excel.”

Find out more about the Technician Commitment