Dear colleagues,
The festive season is fast approaching and, with Christmas just over two weeks away, we can start to reflect on another successful, productive and rewarding year for the University as 2022 draws to a close. Every member of staff, from across the University, has played their distinct part in supporting Strathclyde’s progress – this is achieved through a focus on delivery, shared success and values-led cooperation; thank you for that.
I am delighted to say that colleagues will have the opportunity to gather together and enjoy good company at our first in-person Carol Service in the Barony Hall since 2019 on Tuesday 20 December.
With performances from the Centre for Lifelong Learning Choir, the University Concert Band and Jazz Orchestra, and the University Nursery – as well as mince pies and mulled wine – it promises to be a joyful occasion.
Nonetheless, I am acutely aware that – with the shorter, darker and colder winter days, and the ongoing cost of living crisis – some of you may be feeling anxious about the weeks ahead, and you may require some additional support.
Next week we are launching a new ‘Wellbeing Matters’ Hub on the website, bringing together all the resources and support available to colleagues in one place. The Hub will feature four main areas:
- Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
- Physical Wellbeing
- Financial Wellbeing
- Agile Working Support
Please look out for more details about the Hub in next week’s Inside Strathclyde.
Earlier this week we launched our latest pulse survey, run with our independent survey provider Medallia, which is seeking your views on our current working arrangements. You should have received an email with a link to the survey – if not please contact humanresources@strath.ac.uk.
With many of us working in a more agile and/or hybrid way – built around our expectation of being three days on campus – this survey is an excellent opportunity for you to share your thoughts and experience of the way that you work now.
I would strongly encourage you to provide your feedback to help the University gain a better understanding of the benefits of, and challenges to, our working practices and to continue our commitment to effective and inclusive ways of working that are beneficial and supportive of our staff and the institution at large.
This will help us to make informed decisions and allow us to do all that we can to support the health and wellbeing of colleagues.
As a socially-progressive, people-oriented, values-driven employer we are committed to ensuring colleagues are fully supported in their roles, are able to maintain a good work-life balance, and feel empowered to protect their health and wellbeing.
Finally, last week the University Court met at Ross Priory for our annual two-day, deep dive, strategy session. After three years away, it was enormously beneficial to be back to in-person engagement and the environment allowed us to take time to review our current progress against Vision 2025 and to plan for the future too.
The Court is made up of external lay members, elected staff, and student executives, as well as myself and the Vice-Principal, with the open strategy sessions being joined by colleagues from across all Faculties and Professional Services; the enthusiastic engagement and contributions from all involved characterised Strathclyde’s ‘can do’ approach.
As part of the development of our next strategy – taking us to the next phase of our evolution; ‘Strathclyde 2030’ – Court members were involved in detailed discussions as part of the wide consultation we are undertaking, and gave their input and insights to help us shape the continuation and extension of our mission as a Leading International Technological University that is Socially Progressive.
At the conclusion of the two days, through Convener Dame Sue Bruce, Court acknowledged the success and achievements of our strategy over the past decade, and gave its unequivocal support to our strategic direction and operational delivery focus. They expressed their deep support and thanks for the work that colleagues from across the institution put in daily to make Strathclyde the success that it is.
We can all take pride in our collective efforts and I never lose sight of the fact that this institutional success stems from the contribution of every individual ‘Strathclyder’.
Have a good weekend when it comes.
Best wishes,
Jim