Last year, the International Business Team identified a number of areas that are key in advancing the University’s internationalisation agenda.
In an ever-changing world, it is vital that the University’s processes enable safe ways for staff to carry out their work, regardless of which country they are visiting. As a result, the University has decided to introduce a single Travel Management Company (TMC) for everyone to use when booking travel and accommodation.
Having gathered travel requirements from all Faculties, the project is now moving to a phase of robust tendering activity to select the most appropriate supplier. The aim is to appoint the most suitable TMC in the spring and start working with them as soon as possible after that.
Opportunities the University will benefit from through use of a TMC are detailed below:
- The University must deliver on its duty of care to staff. Amongst other things, a TMC will enable us to ensure that all staff travellers are accounted for and that we are able to contact them swiftly in the event of an emergency situation.
- Each year the University spends £16m on travel across all Faculties. Engaging with a single supplier will enable increased efficiency in booking processes, as well as access to better prices.
The video below from the University’s Chief Operating Officer, Ian Dunn, reminds us why this is important:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqfcBFJoSrA
As this work progresses, the project team will provide updates via SUSSED and local Faculty channels, enabling travellers and travel-bookers to keep up-to-date with how and when they will need to start using the new TMC. Training and support will be available for relevant members of staff.
If you have any questions or queries, please email: [email protected].
