communication process

Objectives of the Reps Committee

• To ensure that those responsible for developing Personnel and Staff Development policy are informed of the main issues impacting on the working lives of Research Staff (RS).
• To enable the University to consult with RS on specific employment topics.
• To circulate information on support available, new initiatives etc to all RS, through their reps, in addition to using e-mail and the web.
• To share good practice between departments.
• To offer support amongst reps.
• To create a cohesive group of RS around the university.

The Role of the Rep

• To represent the views of departmental Research Staff (RS) at the University RS Reps Committee and thereby inform decision making.
• To help inform research staff of University wide developments that may have an impact on their role or career aspirations.
• The role supplements the current communication tools that are used, namely the RS Web Site, RS e-mail lists, Annual RS Conference, and CROS the Contract Research Staff On-line Survey (annual web based opinion survey).
• To provide information and support to new RS in their department.

The method(s) of communication

Departments with at least 5 Research Staff (RS) are invited to agree a Rep if they have not already done so. This person will seek the views of research staff within the department on a regular basis and offer these collective views at the University RS Rep Committee.

The Rep may also choose to seek attendance at other departmental committees to represent the views of RS and feedback information to them. It is recommended that the Rep secures the support of the Head of Department where possible, and meets with him/her perhaps three times a year to discuss issues affecting RS. In some departments this meeting might be held with another senior academic.

The RS Reps Committee will meet three times per year, approximately 2 weeks before the RS Working Party. They will receive the draft RS Working Party agenda (and notes of previous working party meeting) before the meeting and have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this. Additional meetings may be arranged to discuss or consult upon specific topics of importance. Dr Nick Walker, the RS rep in the School of Chemistry manages communication with the Research Committee. See notes of previous research comity meeting, or for further information contact Nick Walker.

The RS Working Party will also meet three times per year. Three RS Reps will be part of this Working Party (inc the AUT RS Rep). The Working Party, chaired by the Personnel and Staff Development Director, reports to the University Personnel and Staff Development Committee. Personnel Services will enact decisions and policy amendments made by the Working Party after reference to the Personnel and Staff Development Committee if appropriate.

Dates of Reps Committee and Working Party meetings will be agreed 12 months in advance and advertised on this site under the reps meeting.

The RS Working Party produces an annual report in October each year, this will go to the Personnel and Staff Development Committee and Research Committee. It is published on this site under under the policies and procedures a copy sent to all Senior Members of the University.