Heather Warner

Supporting Statement (May 2011)

My career at the University spans over the last 8 years.  In that time, I have had the privilege and opportunity to work with many non academic staff throughout the University.

When I joined the University, I worked with the Assistant Principal, and this gave me a valuable insight into the services provided by non academic staff, as the Learning Support Group, with over 250 non academic staff, delivered key services for staff and students through the teams in Student Support, C&ITS and Learning Information Services. The Assistant Principal also had responsibility for the Campus Principal role at Sighthill and Craiglockhart, and good working relationships and links to non academic staff in the Business School were also formed, especially during the move to Craiglockhart in 2004.

My role in the Sighthill/Merchiston Project team (Property and Facilities), since 2007, proved to be not only challenging but also very rewarding as new relationships were established with the professional services staff who moved into the new Sighthill Campus in 2010.   At Sighthill, staff moved from 8 different locations, and my close involvement in the Project gave me a different perspective, and greater experience and understanding of the challenges we all face in a fast-moving and continually changing University environment.

I have enjoyed and learned a lot by working with all of the University Services staff as part of the Sighthill Project, and I am now looking forward to working with those who will be part of the Merchiston Estate Strategy Project.

My experience shows that the University has continually changed, grown and evolved over the last 8 years and we have all faced a number of challenges - including the appointment of a new Principal, significant increases in student numbers and changes to the academic year, the economic downturn, a name change, organisational restructuring and most recently redundancies.  I am sure the University will continue to face significant challenges over the next few years, and it is through the professionalism and dedication of the non academic staff, working closely with academic colleagues that the University will continue to go from strength to strength.

As a strong believer in lifelong learning, I have studied at the University 3 times! - a part-time HNC in Library and Information Science when I worked in the FE sector prior to joining the University and a part-time BA (Hons) Business Management, graduating in 2007.  It is my current course which is the most relevant to this role on University Court, I am studying with the Business School on the flexible MBA course.  This has allowed me to develop my interpersonal and communication skills, analyse complex problems, enhance my research skills and has given a greater insight into the competitive business world we operate in. The knowledge gained and experience of participating in the MBA course will enable me to confidently represent your views and undertake this important role in an impartial and independent manner.   It is with the knowledge and experience from my previous jobs, and my roles within the University that I believe I could make a valid and valuable contribution to the future development of the University by representing your views and making sure our voice is heard.

I would welcome the opportunity to work for you over the next 4 years as the Non Academic member of staff on University Court, as the University continues to embrace the challenges it faces and continues to develop and grow.  During that time, another exciting estates strategy project will be delivered at Merchiston, and I am sure it will not be without its own unique challenges.  On this project, whilst I continue to work closely with professional services staff at Sighthill, and in my studies at Craiglockhart, I look forward to playing a key role working with non academic friends and colleagues as the building is redeveloped for the future.

Your vote would be much appreciated, and I do hope you will give me the opportunity to represent you on University Court, as the Non Academic member of staff.

Heather Warner