ID211b Strengthening Staff Participation in Key University Events

The Idea

Develop a more coordinated approach to supporting major institutional events such as Open Days, Clearing, Welcome, Graduation and Key Collection by embedding participation within workforce planning rather than relying solely on volunteer recruitment.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

These events are critical to student recruitment, arrival and the overall student experience. Greater participation from across the University would strengthen delivery and reinforce a culture of shared responsibility. However, this should recognise that colleagues have differing workloads and personal circumstances, including caring responsibilities, which may limit their availability at particular times of the year. 

How We Would Implement This Idea

Rather than introducing a mandatory rota, Schools and Professional Services could identify where participation is appropriate within local workforce planning. Opportunities to contribute could be discussed through SPREs and reflected in Workload Allocation Models (WAMs), ensuring time is recognised and planned where possible. A central register of opportunities would enable colleagues who have capacity and interest to participate, while allowing flexibility for those whose roles or personal circumstances make this difficult.

What Success Would Look Like

A more sustainable and equitable approach to staffing key University events, with participation recognised as a valued institutional contribution, better planned within workloads, leading to improved resilience, stronger event delivery and an enhanced experience for prospective students, current students and visitors.