Proposed changes to technical support

We are aware of concerns about proposed changes to the way we organise technical support for teaching and research across Art and Design, and wanted to clear up any misunderstanding.

A consultation is underway, but it is important to stress that this is an ongoing process and as such it is misleading and premature to speculate on the outcome. However we can confirm that the current proposals would result in an overall increase in the number of technical staff in the Faculty - not less.

Student creative practice lies at the heart of what we do, and these proposals as they currently stand are intended to ensure that student learning is enhanced through:

• a more open workshop access policy, providing greater access to technical areas

• a system where all technical resource works, and is accessible, to all, across disciplines and Departments

• cluster appropriate discipline areas together to enhance communities of practice - which under our current technical structure in some areas are often closed.

It is also important to stress that this review does not propose to withdraw from any aspect of our creative art and design disciplines. It does not propose to close any resources from our paper making facilities, support for photography or any design workshops. Instead it is designed to give students greater access to these facilities.

We understand proposals for change will always raise concerns, which is why we would like to reassure you that Northumbria values its technicians and the support they provide to learning extremely highly. Feedback from the technicians is therefore a key part of this consultation and their views will naturally inform the outcome.