Staff Reference Group
8 July 2010
Do you know what the Staff Reference Group is?
The Staff Reference Group, established in 2004, is a forum designed to facilitate two way communications between staff and the University; to keep staff informed and encourage staff to comment on University activities.
What is the purpose of the Staff Reference Group?
The Staff Attitude Survey, as one of a number of sources of feedback, placed communication as the most important priority for staff. The survey identified a need to “improve internal communication mechanisms so that all staff are kept fully up-to-date with important information about the University as a whole” (Staff Attitude Survey, 2008: 9). The Staff Reference Group is one of a number of key mechanisms designed to achieve this.
The purpose of the group is to provide commentary on the strategic aims and objectives of the University and on specific tasks and challenges that the University faces. The Staff Reference Group gives an opportunity for all its members to contribute to the University especially those who are not involved in any other aspect of University governance.
How does the Staff Reference Group work?
The Staff Reference Group meets at least once each academic session and is chaired by Professor Terry Threadgold, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Staff and Diversity. The membership of the group is comprised of representatives from all Schools and Directorates. The role of the Staff Reference Group member is to: represent their School/Directorate at meetings; receive information about University activities; comment on issues discussed at the meeting from their Schools/Directorates perspective; feedback information received at the meeting to their respective School/ Directorate.
What issues are discussed at the Staff Reference Group?
Some of the issues discussed at recent meetings include: the expected future higher education funding environment; implications of national and regional government policies, the work of the funding councils and other external forces; various draft policies subject to consultation; Positive Health and Environment Week and the Environmental Management System. At each meeting a short brief is also made by each directorate on key achievements, activities and challenges. At the last meeting a focus group was held to look at how internal communication can be improved as part of the wider communication initiative. The Staff Reference Group reports primarily through the Strategy and Resources Committee but can provide input to any University Committee via the Chair if necessary.
How can I contribute or get involved?
Members of staff can request that items be discussed at meetings either by contacting their School/ Directorate representative or by contacting Chris Carey, Human Resources (79096, CareyCM1@cardiff.ac.uk). The agenda and accompanying papers to past and forthcoming meetings are also published online and so if you have any comments you would like discussed at the meetings please contact your School/ Directorate representative. Membership of the Staff Reference Group is reviewed annually by each Head of School/ Directorate, or periodically if a vacancy arises during the year. If you are interested in joining the group please forward your expression of interest to your Head of School/ Directorate.
Further Information
Further information about the Staff Reference Group including terms of reference, a members’ role description, details of your local representatives and an archive of past papers can be found online at: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/staff/networks/staffreferencegroup/index.html
To discuss the work of the group in more detail please contact either your local representatives or Karen Cooke, Human Resources (70063, CookeK1@cf.ac.uk).
