Dear colleagues,
I hope that you had the opportunity to enjoy the extended Easter break and managed to relax and spend time with family and friends.
This week, I am absolutely delighted to announce that our University has been named as Scotland’s Best Large Employer (200 employees or more) at the S1 Jobs Recruitment Awards ceremony that took place in Glasgow. Competing against employers from a variety of sectors across the country, we were recognised for our innovative and progressive approach in the support of our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Rest and Recuperation Fridays, Meeting Free Fridays and Agile Working were seen by judges as outstanding examples of how we continue to put our people first and that we are showing bold leadership in the field. We were also praised for offering additional annual leave purchase and more flexible annual leave carry-over to lessen the impact of the pandemic.
This award represents a high-quality external endorsement of our people-oriented approach and our values-driven culture. Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Strathclyde has put its people first and we have shown genuine, long-term engagement in the wellbeing support for all.
I would like to thank everyone across the University for their hard work, for taking a values-led approach and for showing commitment in implementing these leading initiatives and – of course – for supporting one another over the period of the pandemic.
Over recent months, you will have seen a number of new appointments made at the Senior Officer level in the University. In a continuation of this strengthening of the University leadership, this week I am pleased to announce confirmation of the appointment of four new Deputy Associate Principals (DAPs) and a revised role for an existing DAP. These are:
- Professor Trish Connolly (Engineering), Professor Madeleine Grealy (HaSS) and Dr Churnjeet Mahn (HaSS), all of whom will contribute to our Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation activities;
- Professor Debbie Willison (Science) who will take responsibility for Online Learning and Teaching and Brian Green (HaSS) who will take on the remit of Academic Quality and Student Experience, having previously had the Learning and Teaching portfolio.
I am also delighted to confirm that Gordon Scott, Director of Human Resources, has been named as our new Chief People Officer. This important post underlines our commitment to our people and their needs as well as the continuation of our progressive approach via our People Strategy.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating all six colleagues on their new appointments which they will take up at various points in the coming months.
For the past few months, colleagues from across the University have been planning and preparing to host events as part of the Engage with Strathclyde programme. This year, the programme will run between Tuesday 3 and Friday 13 May and will feature in-person, hybrid and online events focusing on collaborative research and knowledge exchange opportunities with industry, the public and third sectors.
Engage with Strathclyde is always one of the highlights of the year and the calendar of events is now live. Please take the opportunity to register for events of interest and promote the programme to colleagues, both internal and external, to showcase the world-leading research and innovation taking place at Strathclyde.
In relation to COVID-19, please remember that – although the legal requirement to wear face coverings in crowded indoor spaces and public transport has been removed by the Scottish Government – all of our staff and students are requested to continue to use face coverings on campus until the end of April, when this will be reviewed. I thank you for your continued cooperation and would highlight that the Scottish Government is encouraging people to continue to wear a face covering on public transport and in indoor public spaces.
Finally, in this week when we are celebrating our staff, I would strongly encourage you to think of the colleagues and teams that best exemplify our Values and put them forward for a Strathclyde Medal. Nominations for the 2022 awards can be made using the online nomination form until 6 May. Winners will be presented with their Medals at an in-person ceremony on 30 September.
This year, in order to support our alignment with our People Strategy and Vision, we are asking for nominations for people who have demonstrated excellence in the Values, within themed categories, including:
- Excellent Student Experience
- Leadership
- Outstanding Colleague
- Innovation
- On Campus Services – i.e. our staff that have delivered services and/or maintained campus facilities
Strathclyde’s success is built on our people and it is important that we pause to recognise their individual and team contributions each year.
Thank you for your continued efforts and have a good weekend when it comes.
Best wishes,
Jim