The University of Manchester is a founding signatory to the Technician Commitment. This is a national initiative led by the Science Council, supported by the Gatsby Foundation, to help address key challenges facing technical staff and the institutions they critically support.

The commitment comes at a key time as the demand for technicians is increasing. More than 1.5 million technicians currently work in the UK, a figure expected to rise by around 70,000 each year. Vice Chancellors and Directors of Research Institutes from across the UK have recognised the need to ensure the sustainability of technical skills by safeguarding and developing people and skills.

The Technician Commitment will ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians across all disciplines

The University of Manchester recognises the significant, highly specialised and vital contribution technicians make to our education and research successes. With almost 1000 technical members of staff in more than 40 buildings (including five teaching hospitals) technical expertise spans a vast array of activity, from Astronomy to Anatomy, Graphene to Geology.

We will continue to forge partnerships with other institutions to share good practice, create new initiatives and benefit from greater diversity and experience through shared opportunities.

The University of Manchester has already started the journey to recognise, develop and support its technical staff. Technical Excellence at Manchester [TEaM] (https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/equality-and-diversity/staff-network/team-technical-excellence-at-manchester/) has assisted the technical community to identify common needs and benefits to achieve these aims.

Our Technical Commitment enhances and catalyses our already considered approach and direction. Whilst we focus on the technical staff at the University of Manchester, we will share our knowledge with all the signatory institutions across the country. Together we will make a difference for technicians, their skills and the future of the sector.

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