The Students' Union has continued conversations with the University about their proposed changes to Technical Services. We wanted to provide an update on the feedback we've received from students, the actions we've taken, and what happens next.
What students have told us
Students from a range of programmes and faculties have contacted the Students’ Union to share concerns about the proposed changes. The main these raised include:
• Access to technical support and specialist expertise
• Workshop and laboratory capacity
• Practical learning and teaching quality
• Research support
• Accessibility and student support
• The potential impact on student experience and course delivery
Students have shared their views through a range of channels, including direct contact with the Students’ Union, Course Representatives, Faculty Representatives, student briefing sessions, and written feedback submissions.
What the Students’ Union has done
In response to the student feedback, we have:
• Gathered feedback from students across faculties
• Facilitated opportunities for students to engage directly with the University through student
briefing sessions
• Raised concerns with senior University colleagues, and continued discussions with them to
ensure student voices are heard and that students have correct and up-to-date information
• Requested a clear timeline from the University on next steps
The key themes from student feedback have been formally shared with the University as part of the
consultation process.
What the University has told us
The University has advised that collective consultation is currently scheduled to continue until 20 June 2026.
The University has stated that feedback is continuing to be gathered and reviewed throughout the consultation process. This includes feedback from students, technical staff, academic colleagues, and trade union representatives. It has also advised that alternative proposals are being considered and may lead to changes to the current proposals.
The University has confirmed that student feedback is being considered alongside feedback from colleagues directly affected by the proposals and wider academic staff.
No final decisions have been confirmed at this stage. The University has advised that further updates will be provided when possible, while respecting the consultation process and colleagues directly affected by the proposals.
The University has stated that the proposed changes are intended to:
• Create a more equitable and consistent technical support experience for students
• Strengthen cross-university working
• Improve alignment between technical services and educational priorities
The University has also advised that technical support, including specialist expertise and health and safety provision, will continue to form part of its support for students.
What happens next?
The Students' Union will continue to represent student views throughout the consultation process and has requested ongoing updates from the University.
We have highlighted the importance of maintaining access to specialist and discipline-specific support. This reflects feedback received from students, as well as recommendations set out in the DSU's Improving Academic Support recommendation paper, which was previously considered by the University’s Education Committee.
We have also requested an update once the consultation process has concluded and before any final decisions are implemented, so that students can be informed of the outcome and any next steps.
In addition, we have asked the University to clarify any areas where misunderstandings or factual inaccuracies may be circulating so that students can access accurate information throughout the consultation period.
The University has advised that reports regarding the scale of potential staffing reductions, and suggestions that technical support would no longer be available in certain areas, are not accurate.
We recognise that many students are looking for updates on this process and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.
Our Role
The Students’ Union's role is to ensure student voices are heard and represented throughout this process.
We recognise that students hold a range of views on the proposals. Our focus remains on gathering student feedback, ensuring concerns are raised with decision-makers, facilitating opportunities for engagement, and keeping students informed as the process develops.
Share your feedback
We are continuing to collect student feedback on the proposed Technical Services changes. If you would like to share your views, concerns, or experiences, please contact studentvoiceleaders@dmu.ac.uk
We will continue to represent student views, raise concerns with the University, and provide updates as further information becomes available.