​The UK Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS) is a new venture originating from the Technician Commitment initiative, following the success of MI TALENT. It officially launched on 1 August 2023. The main mission of the ITSS is “to ensure the long-term sustainability of UK technical skills and careers.

The Institute is governed by its Technical Council, which represents technical force across the sector and the UK. The ISIS Biology laboratories manager Ludmila Mee, who also chairs the STFC Technician Commitment Working Group, was selected to be one of the fourteen inaugural members of the Council following a competitive selection process.

The Council meets three times a year at different locations, each time hosted by a member. The April visit was hosted by ISIS and was yet another highly successful and informative event for the council. The day began with two co-chairs of the Council – Paul Gilbert and Andrew Filby – meeting with Senior STFC Managers. Their discussion was around the goals of ITSS and how they align with the STFC technical force challenges.

The tour of ISIS followed; “This was a highlight of the day for the ITSS visitors," says Ludmilla, adding, “they marvelled at the breadth of technical expertise employed at ISIS and the scale of ISIS operations." During the lunch break, the visitors met with members of STFC Technician Commitment Steering and Working groups. It was a good opportunity to make introductions and network.

The final part of the day was the ITSS Technical Council meeting, which included an update on the STFC Technician Commitment. There were also discussions around the ITSS Knowledge Exchange Placement programme and ITSS communications – external as well as internal.

If you would like to learn more about ITSS activities, or to work alongside the STFC Technician Commitment Working and Steering groups get in touch with Ludmila Mee.