Teesside University joins global Technician Commitment community

Teesside University has formally pledged to address workforce challenges facing technical staff who are critical to research and teaching activities.

By signing the internationally recognised Technician Commitment, Teesside University joins a community of organisations improving visibility, recognition, career development and long-term sustainability of technical professionals in higher education, research and innovation.

Teesside University employs a diverse community of technical professionals across areas including health and life sciences, engineering, digital and creative technologies.

Working in roles such as laboratory technicians, simulation specialists and technical support staff, they underpin teaching, research and industry collaboration.

Technical teams support a range of flagship facilities, including the BIOS laboratories for science and clinical subjects, the National Horizons Centre’s advanced bioscience labs, and the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, which focuses on clean energy and decarbonisation technologies.

Dave Hodgson, Technician Manager in our School of Health & Life Sciences, said: “Our technicians are integral to the delivery of high-quality teaching and research at Teesside University.

“Their expertise underpins our specialist facilities, supports student learning, and contributes directly to research and innovation across the institution.

“By becoming a signatory to the Technician Commitment, we are reinforcing our commitment to recognising the vital contribution of our technical staff and ensuring they have access to the support, visibility and development opportunities they deserve.

"This is an important step in strengthening how we value and invest in our technical community, now and into the future.”

The Technician Commitment is a pledge to implement a long-term action plan to enhance technical careers, opportunities and skills within the organisation.

Technician Commitment Associate Lead, Mel Leitch, said: "I am delighted to welcome Teesside University as the latest signatory of the Technician Commitment.

“I look forward to working alongside colleagues at Teesside, and across the wider Universities for North East England (UNEE) partnership, to strengthen regional collaboration and further increase the visibility, recognition and value of technical roles across the North East."

Since launching in 2017, it has now grown to a global community of more than 140 organisations championing technicians and their contributions to higher education and research. The initiative is hosted by the UK Institute of Technical Skills & Strategy.

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