This workstream aims to propose a framework which delivers relief of workload stress for academics, and promotes and encourages departments to engage with workload models.
Deliverables
Work carried out under the Academic Workload stream falls into two broad stages:
Data gathering and analysis - this involves benchmarking employment terms and responsibilities/duties of academics (particularly Associate Professors and the balance between college and University duties) and identifying workload models in operation in other UK Higher Education Institutions
Modelling of workload elements and mapping onto the new model.
Progress
Date
Update
March 2024
Three staff focus groups held to gain insight into the current balance of duties and experiences of staff with teaching and research responsibilities in relation to workload.
Focus group participants were drawn from a broad spread of teaching and research roles and contract types, across the divisions and disciplinary areas, including college staff.
January to February 2024
Further research undertaken to gather input from a range of divisions and departments on workload models, job descriptions and pinch-points in current workload systems.
November 2023
Initial information gathered on the workload models currently in place both within the University and in other Russell Group institutions.
July to October 2023
Terms of reference for benchmarking agreed by the Steering Group.
Benchmarking carried out over the summer, with outcomes to be reported to both the Steering Group for this project and the Steering Committee for the Vice-Chancellor's Pay and Conditions review.
