University staff working together on way ahead

Friday 11 January 2002

In line with its continuing commitment to staff development, communication and consultation, the University of St Andrews has completed its first staff survey – making it one of the first Universities in the country to do so.

All staff, in support roles as well as academics, were asked to indicate their attitudes to working in the University during Autumn 2001. The results were collated and analysed at the end of the year and were released to staff today (Friday 11th January, 2002).

The survey has provided useful indicators of how staff feel about working in the University, and much of the feedback reflects a successful organisation which people enjoy. Staff were asked to respond to 131 questions across seven different themes – training; job satisfaction; work stress, health and safety; communications; academic issues; participation and effectiveness of the organisation. Around 50% of staff chose to complete and return the questionnaires.

Mostly positive attitudes were recorded towards job interest and satisfaction, training and development, academics’ positive inclination towards teaching as well as research, and communication within units. As with many large organisations, however, the survey has identified the need to improve university- wide communication and participation. The activities of the University’s senior management need to be better understood. Personal stress was regarded as a serious issue, and the apparent reluctance of Academics to take on management roles will need to be addressed.

In general, however, staff were positive about their jobs, indicating that the University is a good organisation in which to work.

Commenting on the outcomes of the survey, Principal and Vice- Chancellor of the University, Dr Brian Lang said:

“Our University is a successful institution. However, if we are to improve on our excellent performance in research and teaching, everyone working for the University needs to be confident that they are valued, that their views are listened to and that they are being given accurate and reliable information about our future direction.

“Over the coming months, I would like to involve as many staff as possible in discussing how we can make improvements in the areas they have highlighted. I am determined that we shall take whatever action is appropriate to make these improvements. We will also remain committed to consultation by repeating this Survey exercise next year.”

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: Uni Staff Survey results pr 140102 View the latest University news at http://www.st- andrews.ac.uk/extrel/press.htm


Category University news

Related topics

Share this story