If you had told me back in 2008 that I would be interviewing award‑winning technicians, speaking at universities about technical careers, and attending a House of Lords event celebrating the impact of the Technician Commitment, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
Back then, my focus was much closer to home. At the John Innes Centre (JIC), I chaired a staff group for research assistants – something that, at the time, felt quietly necessary rather than ambitious. It was about creating space, recognising contribution, and amplifying voices that weren’t always heard. By 2014, this had evolved to include a much broader range of research and support roles, many of which were technical. Without quite realising it, I had started doing the work that would later be recognised as part of a much bigger movement.
That movement became the Technician Commitment.
JIC became a founding signatory in 2017, and I found myself leading this work locally. Suddenly, the conversations we had been having internally were part of a national, and increasingly international, dialogue. I attended signatory events, delivered talks, and connected with others who shared the same passion for improving visibility and recognition for technicians.
One of those early connections was Kelly Vere, whom I had invited to speak at JIC in 2016. When JIC became a signatory, that connection deepened and, in 2021, she offered me the opportunity to join the Technician Commitment team as an Associate Lead on a small secondment. It felt like a natural progression – an extension of work I already cared deeply about, but now with a broader platform and reach.
What followed was a whirlwind of activity: peer reviews, presentations, collaboration across institutions, and continuous learning from colleagues across the sector. When the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy (ITSS) programme was funded in 2023, I continued supporting the team, contributing to delivery and helping shape its direction.
The moments you don’t expect
There are many headline achievements, such as the reports, the talks, the projects, but it’s often the unexpected moments that stay with you.
One time I found myself talking on stage next to a Jaguar car. It was one of those slightly surreal experiences where you pause and think “How did this become part of my story?” And yet, there I was, speaking about technical careers and visibility while a symbol of engineering excellence sat just behind me. It felt like a moment that captured how far the conversation had come; technical expertise was no longer in the background, but part of something much more visible.
The real impact
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t any single event or opportunity. It’s seeing others recognised.
Over the years, I’ve watched technical staff step forward for awards, apply for funding they might previously have thought out-of-reach, and gain confidence in their own expertise. That shift from hesitation to belief is powerful.
There has been real progress: increased visibility, greater recognition, and expanded eligibility for opportunities like grants and awards. But challenges remain. Perceptions don’t change overnight, and confidence – both self-confidence and how others view technical roles – continues to be something we need to actively build.
Awareness is growing, but it’s not universal. There are still assumptions about capability and career pathways that need to be challenged. And that, for me, has been one of the biggest lessons of this journey: change is possible, but it takes persistence.
The people behind the work
None of this has been done alone.
Working with the Technician Commitment team, first with Kelly and Simon, and later with Mel, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. We brought different perspectives, different strengths, and a shared commitment to making a difference. There was a real openness in how we worked together, and that sense of collaboration shaped not just the work, but me as well.
And yes, there were lighter moments too! At some point, I started referring to us as the “Power Rangers”. I think they mostly humoured me, but persuading them to pose for a Power Rangers-style photo remains one of my favourite behind-the-scenes memories.
What I’m taking forward
If there’s one thing I’m taking with me, it’s this: we can achieve far more together. Listening to different perspectives, building collective momentum, and staying focused on impact – those are the things that create real change.
Time has often been a challenge – balancing this work alongside my role at JIC and fitting it into a small fraction of my week. My energy and commitment made it possible and it was always worthwhile.
And while I’m stepping away from the ITSS team, I’m not stepping away from the cause. In my role as Head of Science Coordination and Research Culture, I will continue championing technical careers alongside the wider research community.
My thanks to Kelly Vere for the opportunities she has given me, and to the TC and ITSS team along with all the fantastic people I’ve worked with who have made this journey so rewarding.
Full circle
Looking back, it’s strange to think how something that started as a small internal initiative grew into such a significant part of my career.
From setting up a staff group to contributing to national conversations and standing on stages I never expected, it’s been a journey full of moments I couldn’t have predicted.
But at its heart, it’s always been about the same thing: making sure that technical expertise is seen, valued, and celebrated.
And that’s a story I’m not finished telling.
So, get your voice heard. Be confident in your value. Celebrate others. Small actions might not feel like much in the moment, but together they can create meaningful change.
