An external consultant is being engaged to review the university’s operational support services and provide recommendations for improvements that bring continued expertise and relevance in a changing environment.

A great deal is happening in the world around us and AI, cybersecurity and matters of total defence are just a few examples. External demands on the university are both new and increasing.

“Given the changes happening in the world and how the university will have a new strategy next year, we need to thoroughly review the university’s operational support services,” says Hans E Andersson, the university’s chief administrative officer.

Conducting the review

An external consultant will be appointed, with a large number of interviews being conducted before the summer.

“To ensure that the investigator gets as comprehensive a picture as possible, it is important that voices from a wide range of functions and roles are heard,” says Hans. “The plans include interviews with the university management, heads of department, the library director, administrative managers, and representatives from staff organisations and the students’ union. The investigator also plans to conduct group interviews with appropriate representatives from the Faculty Board, the schools’ management boards and heads of department. There will also be opportunities for all university staff who wish to do so to submit their views.”

Financial conditions

Another reason for the review is how operational support services are dimensioned in relation to financial circumstances. The university’s finances are currently in balance, but the government funding we receive for education and research will not cover the cost increases we are facing, where factors such as pay rises and inflation are just two examples of what is driving up costs.

“Reviewing operational support costs to ensure they are in line with current financial conditions is continually undertaken,” says Hans. “The most important aspect of the review will be the opportunity to place operational support services in the context of the upcoming strategy, but also to determine whether the operational support is appropriate given the financial circumstances and the changing external environment.”

A proactive effort

The investigator will submit the report at the end of September.

“I want to make it clear that I believe our operational support services are good, and my aim is for the university to continue to have relevant and expert operational support,” says Hans. “The findings of the external auditor may form the basis for future decisions on how our operational support is adjusted and developed, so we can respond proactively to changes in the world around us.”