Research staff representatives at the University of Bristol do an important job. They are the link between the strategy makers and the people doing research. For years they have been representing the views of staff and pressing for better pay and working conditions. They have achieved a great deal and been recognised internationally as an exemplar of good practice.
However, as time went on there was a growing problem. Three times a year these brilliant and committed individuals would meet to discuss new issues and how to tackle them. Some of the world’s best minds came up against a brick wall: moaning. Good, old-fashioned complaining and indignation. Of course some people thoroughly enjoyed this, but the vast majority said nothing and went away feeling angry, frustrated and helpless. The meetings were leading nowhere and clever, committed people were starting to doubt their ability to make a difference.
We were engaged to design and deliver an away day to reenergise a group of 40 staff representatives. We worked with our client to define the positive core of what research staff reps were trying to do. We focused the group on what was working already and the change they wanted to see. By the end of the day, the participants formed groups to take action on the things that mattered most to them, from professional networks to career opportunities.
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