Faculty Technical & Resource Managers Group
About the FTRMG
achievements to date | contacting the FTRMG
The Faculty Technical & Resource Managers Group was formed with the aim of improving communications within the Faculty of Medical & Veterinary Sciences, and as a means by which all departments in the Faculty can work together for the benefit of their support staff. They were also the driving force behind the first Faculty Support Staff Conference, held at Langford on Wednesday 13th September 2006.
The role of the FTRMG is to look at identifying and addressing the training and support required by support staff as well as improving communications to ensure that any relevant information is delivered to all members of the Faculty. At the current time this has especial relevance to:
- the continuation of the University's Reward Strategy and the effects it will have on support staff in the Faculty,
- sharing best practice for experience (whereby all the departments within the Faculty, as represented by the FTRMG, can share their experiences to ensure that good working practices are in place throughout the Faculty),
- creation of the 'skills database' designed to get a clear picture of the skills and experience available within the Faculty.
The FTRMG work to achieving their aims by:
- Managing Support by:
- Providing advice to the Faculty, Departments, groups and individuals with regard to structure, career, succession planning, etc.
- Set up, steer policy and maintain consistency for such areas as Open Ended Contracts, Performance Management and Reward including training for managers in preparation for Reward "notification week".
- Sharing best practice and experience.
- Develop a Staff Development Programme for all, but also to increase skills, ability and confidence in managers.
- Discussing and delivering change by:
- Respond to potential Faculty changes.
- Look at current service provided and suggest change if necessary.
- Work towards a flexible service.
- Delegate responsibilities, managing resource as required. Finance, space, staff, techniques.
- Provide an information conduit to and from the Dean and University of Bristol Managers Group.
Members of the FTRMG work to develop a structure within their area that will ensure support staff are kept informed and involved by allowing two way communication. This web site is an essential part of that communication process.
Achievements to date
The FTRMG has already had a number of successes in improving training, career development and working conditions for support staff. These include:
- The reduction in Fixed Term Contracts and transfer to "Open Ended" contracts.
- The creation of the "Career Framework for Support Staff" scheme to develop a flexible and fully supportive structure which underpins research, teaching and clinical care. This includes the new Trainee Scheme.
- The first Faculty Support Staff Conference in 2006.
- Advocating "one-to-one" meetings to improve communications between staff and their line managers.
Contacting the FTRMG
For further information, queries, or for sending your comments to the Group, please contact your departmental representative in the FTRMG. For contact details go to the 'meet the FTRMG' page. Alternatively you can email the group at the following address: contact-ftrmg@bristol.ac.uk.