Oxford receives Impact Award for championing technical staff
The award recognises the University’s continued progress as a Technician Commitment signatory
On Wednesday 14 May, Dr Jenn Allen, the University’s Technician Commitment lead, and Dr Stuart Clare, Chair of the Technician Commitment Working Group, were presented with an Impact Award at a ceremony held at Queen’s University Belfast. The award recognises the University’s continued progress as a Technician Commitment signatory and its efforts to support technical staff.
The Impact Award acknowledges Oxford’s dedication to transforming support for technical staff by increasing their visibility, enhancing recognition of their valuable contributions, advancing their professional development, and ensuring that we are considering the technical expertise needed now and in the future. This initiative is driven by Oxford’s Technician Commitment Action Plan (July 2024–2027).
On receiving the award, Dr Stuart Clare said:
We are proud to have received this award to acknowledge the University’s work to improve the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of everyone in technical roles that make the fantastic research and education at the University happen, and we look forward to continuing to make positive progress across all of these areas.
Prior to receiving the Impact Award, Oxford was also honoured with a Technician Commitment Collaboration Fund Award. This prestigious recognition supports a joint initiative between Oxford, Cambridge and UCL to drive positive change in the sector.
Progress so far:
- Developed and published Oxford's Technician Commitment Action Plan for 2024-2027
- Established a Technician Commitment Steering Group and Technician Commitment Working Group
- Appointed Technician Champions from across the University to lead projects intending to raise the profile and/or support the career development of technical staff
- Supported a Technician Champion to organise the University’s first Scientific Research Facilities Conference
- Worked with two Technician Champions to launch a pilot project promoting short-term shadowing placements across the Medical Sciences Division
- Began a video series to showcase the roles and expertise of current technical staff members
What’s next?
The following events will bring together technicians from across the University, for networking, training and career development opportunities:
- virtual Oxford event in July 2025 (outreach and community engagement)
- virtual Cambridge event in September 2025 (grant applications)
- in-person UCL event in November 2025 (career development)
Reflecting on their progress so far, Dr Jenn Allen commented:
I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to the progress we have made to date. We are delighted to be making a positive difference to technical staff at the University and look forward to continuing to do so as we take forward our current action plan.
Visit our dedicated webpages to read how Technical Staff are being supported in Oxford.
