Association of University Staff (AUS) Annual Conference 2003

Outline

• The reforms - why we are here today.

• Update on initiatives:– the planned Review of the Tertiary Education Workforce;– the Review of Quality;– the Collaborating for Efficiency project; – Performance-based Research Fund;– achieving excellence in tertiary teaching.

• Question and answer session to follow.

Tertiary Education Workforce Review

• Ensure the tertiary workforce is equipped to achieve the goals of the reforms.

• All major stakeholders to be engaged - especially at the design and development stage.

• Consensus approach from stakeholders as each phase progresses.

Tertiary Education Workforce Review

Phase One of the Review:

• Industrial matters should not override wider matters of HR development.

• The review will not intrude into employment relationships.

• The review will not cut across institutional autonomy.

• A workshop approach is important.

Review of Quality• The project will focus on:

– How quality tertiary teaching and learning can be supported and developed.

– Clarification of roles and responsibilities of individuals and organisations.

The project will proceed in two stages:– a scoping exercise - late 2003;– a working group in early-mid 2004 to undertake the

project.

• Consultation is a key part of the process and your involvement is critical to its success.

Collaborating for Efficiency (CFE)

• A government initiative designed to assist TEIs to make the transition to an environment based on increased collaboration and co-operation.

• The project has produced five reports:– Capital Assets Management;– Staffing;– Entrepreneurial Activities;– Library Services; and – Engagement with Maori.

• Staffing report highlights the need for improved HR data across the sector.

Performance Based Research Fund

• Acknowledge the efforts you have made in supporting the implementation of PBRF.

• Recognise that the PBRF is designed to encourage excellence in our research efforts.

• Changes will become evident to emerge as the money starts to flow next year.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

• The tertiary teaching process is a strong contributor to quality learning outcomes.

• Initiatives supporting teaching excellence include:

– the teaching excellence awards that recognise excellence in tertiary teachers and the contribution they make to our country;

– the development of the performance element of the funding framework - designed to strengthen the focus on teaching excellence.

Developing the performance element

• The performance element will reward quality - in terms of education gains made by learners.

• A small technical working party is currently charged with recommending suitable performance indicators.

• For the project to succeed we need your buy-in and support.

Next steps for supporting excellence?

• Other jurisdictions present us with some interesting options. For example:– Should we establish a national institute for staff

development?– Should we fund professional development for tertiary

teachers?– Should be accredit new entrants to the tertiary teaching

workforce?

• Your thoughts on these matters are invited.

Conclusion

• As university staffers, you have a significant opportunity to influence and impact on the tertiary reforms.

• Your support is needed to ensure we can build a tertiary system that allows us to move forward as nation.

• And now for your Questions . . .