Strathclyde Innovation ForumPrevious Grand Challenges

Theme One: Key COVID-19 lessons learned

As we think about a post pandemic Strathclyde, it is essential that we reflect on the valuable lessons, as well as the challenges, that COVID has presented us with. We asked staff to reflect on their experiences over the last year and to provide input on the key lessons we should learn as we develop our COVID recovery plan and consider a careful and safe return to campus. Set out below are some of the ideas submitted which the Executive Team agreed should be taken forward for implementation.

Employ British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter for graduations

As a socially progressive, inclusive institution, it was suggested that a BSL interpreter will make our graduation ceremonies more accessible to a wider audience. We are now planning how we might introduce this to make our ceremonies more accessible to a wider range of students and their family and friends and to provide an even more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Sharing laboratory staffs' ideas on maintaining safety

A suggestion was submitted to create a platform and process for sharing laboratory workers’ ideas on maintaining safety on a continuous/regular basis. This will now be taken forward to provide an additional opportunity for colleagues to look out for and support the wellbeing of one another.

Staff feedback on meeting guidelines

Another submission to the Innovation Forum requested staff feedback be gathered on whether there is a benefit in having more formal 'guidelines' for the timings of meetings (for example no meetings scheduled before 9am, avoid lunchtime period where possible, avoid after 5pm). Further consideration as to how this might be taken forward is now underway. 

Theme Two: Sustainability & Climate Change

The University is committed to sustainability, to climate action and to achieving a net zero carbon campus by 2040 at the latest. To help accelerate this work, ideas were sought through the Strathclyde Innovation Forum on what else the University can do to address the challenges brought by climate change.

Some of the ideas which the Executive Team agreed should be taken forward are:

Paper-free courses

Two submissions mentioned the use of digital solutions (OneNote, for example) instead of printing to enable cost savings and reduce paper waste. Whilst flexibility is important, Executive Team agreed that reducing printing and paper waste was important for our University.

Re-badge old uniforms

Rebadging redundant uniform via our suppliers or a remanufacturer. This idea responds to circular economy and seeks to resolve a current issue with our uniforms and PPE.

Terracycle (recycling drop off)

Several colleagues submitted ideas around the use of 'drop off' zones at the University for donation and reuse of items, including from the local community. Executive Team agreed this should be considered further.

Community engagement - climate plans

An idea was submitted relating to assisting communities with technical knowledge to enable decarbonisation and sustainability.

New search engine (escosia)

Two ideas mentioned the benefits of escosia search engine. This has a biodiversity benefit (off site); it was agreed that staff and students should be told of this sustainable search engine option.

Theme Three: Being a caring & compassionate employer

The final Theme of Grand Challenge Three related to the University as a Wellbeing Organisation: "A Wellbeing Organisation is one which makes looking after its staff one of its highest priorities. The University works hard to be a caring and compassionate employer, nonetheless, we would like your ideas on how we could be more so."

Colleagues submitted a range of ideas under this Theme, ranging from ideas for socialisation to changing working practises. Find out more, below, about some of the ideas we'll be looking to implement in the coming weeks and months.

Socialising at a local level

One colleague suggested staff should have more structured opportunities to socialise at a local level.

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a loss of social interaction and connection with colleagues. A focus on the opportunity to socialise, network and collaborate would aim to improve mental health, staff engagement and overall wellbeing.

Encouragement to exercise

Reduced commuting and working from home have led to some staff having a more sedentary lifestyle impacting physical and mental health. Exercise and movement bring benefits to mental and physical health. Executive Team agreed that our experts in Strathclyde Support were key to implementing this idea and should be asked to remind staff of the range of support they offer.

Enhanced Induction for new staff

It was suggested that the provision of small items as a ‘welcome to Strathclyde’, could enhance the onboarding experience for new starts. Executive Team agreed and an alternative ‘electronic starter pack’ (including vouchers for example) will also be considered.

Research & innovation

An idea was put forward to create and examine better ways for sharing funds and recognition between departments and industry-facing centres, in order to support academic professional colleagues.

The contributor was invited to join our Technology and Innovation Zone team workshops around operational readiness and provided key input on both monetary flow and structure in relation to the Technology and Innovation Zone research clusters. Discussions are also actively progressing on ways to formally recognise and record staff work and input within the clusters for initiatives that may be short term but which help colleagues to develop their wider skills and abilities.