You and LJMU: have your say
29 January 2009
Calling all staff - LJMU wants to know what you really think of the University as an employer.
Diligencia, a leading independent Strategic Management Support Consultancy and HR specialist, has been commissioned by LJMU to carry out the most comprehensive study of staff opinion ever undertaken by the University, covering everything from leadership and the strategic plan to equal opportunities, pay and internal communications.
Brian Kerrigan, LJMU's Director of Corporate Services who commissioned the research, added: "Everyone's views matter and it's vital that staff from every Faculty, Department and function get involved. Whether you think LJMU is good, bad or indifferent, we want to know. Your comments will help shape how the University develops up to 2012 when we embark on delivering the next strategic plan."
The last time LJMU canvassed staff opinion was in 2005. Much has changed since 2005 including the University's approach to gathering staff views. Then around 30% of staff responded - this time the University is aiming for a response rate of at least 50%.
Linda Watson from Diligencia explained: "This research is much more than just another staff survey. Yes, we want as many staff as possible to complete the online questionnaire but importantly we also want staff to take part in focus groups so that we can drill down and explore the issues that matter to staff in greater detail."
Diligencia has already completed phase one of the research, holding focus groups with groups of academic, administrative and facilities staff. As well as exploring perceptions on the impact of the 2005 staff survey, these focus groups provided vital information on the issues that matter to staff today.
Armed with this feedback, Diligencia and Corporate Services have devised a new online questionnaire, which will be launched in February 2009. Staff without easy access to a computer will be sent a hard copy of the questionnaire to complete.
Les McCrae from Diligencia stressed: "All comments will be treated in the strictest confidence by Diligencia; no one at LJMU will see any of the completed questionnaires."
Taking action: What's happened since the Staff Survey 2005
Overall, the results of the 2005 Staff Feedback Survey were very positive, with the majority of respondents stating that they liked working for LJMU and felt that their contribution was valued by the University.
Concerns expressed related to a number of areas including leadership and management, communication and consultation, accountability and performance management and the working environment. To see a summary of actions to address these concerns, please click here.
