Terms of Reference

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Terms of Reference for the SITS Trainers Network

Introduction

The SITS Trainers Network was established on 29 February 2012 following a survey of UK HE institutions (using SITS:Vision) and subsequent discussions between Dr. Richard Clark (University of London) and Mr. Aditya Vadali (University or Surrey).

The survey (conducted by the University of Surrey from early August 2011 to late September 2011) included contributions from 21 institutions and identified the following:

  • Training is one of the most under invested areas in many institutions.
  • Many institutions do not have a structured training programme and instead rely on experienced users to train new users in an ad hoc manner.
  • There are many possibilities for the incorporation of technology into the delivery of training to make training more accessible and enjoyable. Many of these possibilities are not being explored in many institutions.
  • Some institutions have dedicated staff for the delivery of training whilst other institutions have instead relied on their technical staff to undertake the delivery of training in addition to their primary roles.

It was therefore decided that a forum for institutions to share good practice, experiences and ideas with regards to the delivery of SITS:Vision training would be beneficial to the training community (with Dr. Richard Clark and Mr. Aditya Vadali as the initial co-chairs).

In May 2012, Mr. John Davis (University of Wolverhampton) replaced Mr. Aditya Vadali as the co-chair of the SITS Trainers Network.

In November 2014, Mr. John Davis (University of Wolverhampton) stood down as co-chair and Dr. Richard Clark (University of London) continued as the Chair of the SITS Trainers Network.

Although originally put forward as a ‘working group’, the forum became known as the SITS Trainers Network as a ‘network’ of training and support professionals, sharing a common interest in SITS:Vision and e:Vision training.

The SITS Trainers Network has provided a coordinated approach by helping to identifying training challenges, enabling the sharing of good practice, repurpose/reuse of common training materials, facilitated meetings for institutions to ‘showcase’ approaches to training and enabled a safe environment for the discussion of collaborative approaches.

Terms of Reference (Updated 21/11/2014)

The terms of reference for the SITS Trainers Network are as follows:

1. Membership
2. Meetings
3. Objectives
4. Roles of Members
5. Constitution

1. Membership

1.1 Membership in the SITS Trainers Network is open to any person associated with the delivery of SITS:Vision and/or e:Vision training.
1.2 Expression of interest in STN membership or attendance at events should be directed to the Chair:

Dr. Richard Clark (sitstrainersnetwork@gmail.com or richard.clark@london.ac.uk)

2. Meetings/Events

2.1 Meetings/events will be held twice a year (if there is sufficient demand from the STN community).
2.2 Meetings/events will be hosted on a voluntary basis at a member institution.  Where possible, meetings/events will be hosted in the north, midlands and south of the country (in a rotational manner) to allow for fair access to all institutions.
2.3 In addition, one meeting/event per year will be held at the annual SITS User Conference (if available).

3. Objectives

3.1 To provide a forum for institutions to share good practice, experiences, ideas and resources relating to the delivery of training for SITS:Vision and e:Vision.
3.2 Identify common issues and priorities.
3.3 Pursue collaborative activities that address shared needs.
3.4 Create and nurture a safe environment, where the above can be achieved.
3.5 To explore activities in collaboration with Tribal to offer assistance to institutions with regards to SITS:Vision training.

4. Roles of Members

4.1 To participate in STN events with regards to presentations, breakout sessions, discussions, supportive roles (i.e. minute taking etc) and any group actions.
4.2 Showcase (where applicable) training approaches and activities to STN members.
4.3 Share (where applicable) re-usable training materials.
4.4 Champion the activities of the STN at other events in a supportive and professional manner (RUGs, conferences, online forums etc).

5. Constitution

Facilitation of the SITS Trainers Network will be undertaken via the co-chairs. Chair(s) will act and/or report on behalf of the group.

Activities

The following activities will be undertaken by the SITS Trainers Network:

  • Meetings/events
  • Presentations
  • Discussions
  • Workshops
  • Online events/forums