In the fifth of our series about the value of completing the Staff Engagement Survey, we talked to Ian Dunn, our Chief Operating Officer.
What are you trying to achieve in Professional Services this year?
There are two main themes we are focussed on this year for Professional Services (PS). The first is that every single PS staff member should by now have a student experience objective as part of their annual appraisal process and this year we will ask that there is a tangible intent by all to increase the ‘care’ we demonstrate to our students. This might be as small as stopping to talk to someone looking lost or volunteering at a student event, right through to making a sustained step change in part of the student experience.
The second is that we will actively promote the objectives of the #UoSrespect campaign. We really do believe that everyone linked to the University should be treated with dignity and respect, and that we should all be able to benefit from a positive, supportive environment whether we’re here for work or study.
How will the insight that you get from the Staff Engagement Survey help you move forward?
In the above areas, and in so many more, the real knowledge in the organisation sits with staff. Many of you really do know what we can and should improve, and, equally importantly, how we might do so. This is the insight we seek in order for us to keep improving and to achieve our aspirations.
What would you say to your staff about the importance of filling the survey in?
Use your voice for positive change. It is an opportunity to share your excitement, your concerns, what might not be going well for you or others and where we can improve. In the same way as I read every comment made as part of the National Student Survey (NSS), I make a commitment that I will read every comment contributed as part of the staff survey. I know we don’t get everything right as an organisation, nor as a community, so help us to do so by contributing.
Can you give some examples of what has happened in Professional Services since the last survey?
After the 2016 survey, PS teams got together, analysed the results and put a plan of action together. Here are just a few examples which demonstrate the value of giving your opinion:
Student Services worked on improving departmental communications and helping staff feel more connected. Improvements included creating a SharePoint site and an email digest for staff, as well as reviewing and revamping the department’s awards scheme and running more social events.
Finance looked at improving training and development opportunities by introducing training and networking meeting/lunches and appointing a dedicated coordinator for these events. Finance also reviewed its flexitime policy across the department to make it clear, fair and consistent.
Estates and Facilities worked on the lack of visibility of senior management, with the Director of Operations now making regular visits to teams.
Communications and Marketing focussed on skills, personal development and career pathways. The department developed a skills audit based on professional qualifications, to aid conversations with line mangers about personal development objectives. The department also explored information sharing, which led to the development of a framework for disseminating information, including weekly round-ups from senior managers.
The sixth and final article in our series will be published tomorrow, where we talk to Professor Jane Falkingham, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS).
The Staff Engagement survey closes on Wednesday 7 November 2018.
ORC emailed a personalised survey link to all staff on Wednesday 17 October. You will need your personalised link to complete the survey – please check your inboxes for the email (subject line ‘University of Southampton’s Staff Engagement Survey 2018’).
More information can be found:
Staff Engagement SharePoint site.
