Last week, more than 70 technicians from across Yorkshire came together at the relaunch of the Yorkshire Technician Exchange Partnership (YoTEP), celebrating the next chapter of a growing regional network that supports skills sharing, collaboration and professional connection. Following the event, we caught up with the organisers to find out how the partnership began, what it hopes to achieve, and how White Rose support is helping to strengthen opportunities for technical staff across Leeds, York and Sheffield.

How did the Yorkshire Technician Exchange Partnership (YoTEP) come about?

YoTEP began in 2022 with a simple idea: to help technicians across Yorkshire connect, share skills and feel part of a wider community.

With funding from the Technician Commitment Community Fund, colleagues at the Universities of York and Leeds – led by Jennie Hibbard, Graeme McAllister, Angela Beddows and Lucy Hudson – set up the first exchanges between the two institutions.

The programme supported 27 exchanges across a wide range of disciplines, from science to the arts. Through reciprocal visits, technicians were able to learn new techniques, share knowledge, understand different teaching and research environments and build valuable professional relationships.

YoTEP was designed to be simple and informal, making it easy for technicians to connect, swap best practice and develop peer support networks. It was promoted through internal bulletins, technical events and email communications, and generated strong interest.

Although limited funding, travel constraints and the challenge of engaging colleagues outside research roles made sustaining the programme more difficult at times, the original vision has continued. With new White Rose Community Funding enabling the launch of the expanded partnership with the University of Sheffield, YoTEP is now continuing its work to support technical staff and strengthen connections across Yorkshire.

What are the aims of the network?

The aim of the network is to make it as easy as possible for technicians at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York to connect with one another and arrange informal visits. Through these exchanges, technicians can learn new techniques, understand how different equipment is used in teaching and research, share best practice and build supportive professional networks with peers and colleagues.

This month, YoTEP celebrated its relaunch. How has the partnership changed and how has White Rose supported this?

YoTEP Relaunch Organising Committee

The relaunch marks an exciting new stage for YoTEP. With support from White Rose Community Funding, the partnership has now expanded to include the University of Sheffield, bringing three institutions together for the first time.

The funding made it possible to hold an in-person relaunch event – a rare opportunity for technicians to attend a fully funded external event, meet colleagues from across the region and begin building new connections. The event also welcomed Simon Breeden, Technician Commitment Associate Lead, who shared updates and encouraged delegates to take advantage of the many opportunities available through the Technician Commitment and the Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy.

The relaunch has helped the organising team reflect on how YoTEP can be strengthened and better supported within each institution. Leeds, York and Sheffield have all committed to covering travel expenses for exchanges, helping to remove practical barriers to participation.

Just as importantly, technicians have gained a clearer understanding of the opportunities available through White Rose and the reassurance that they are supported not only by their own universities, but by the wider Consortium as well.

What were some of the highlights of the YoTEP relaunch event this January?

The relaunch event in January was full of energy and small moments that really captured the spirit of YoTEP. One highlight was hearing from Karen Hinxman about the White Rose University Consortium – for many technicians in the room this was their first introduction to the wider support available through White Rose.

The event opened with an encouraging welcome from Professor Nick Plant, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, which set a positive and supportive tone for the day. An early ice-breaker helped everyone get talking: technicians were invited to bring an object that represented their role, skills or working environment, and share the story behind it in small groups. It proved a simple but effective way to spark conversation and help people get to know one another.

There was plenty of enthusiasm for future exchanges too. By lunchtime, the exchange board was already filled with 30 pledges, showing just how keen people were to take part. Delegates also learned about technician networks hosted by the Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy, including the Environmental Sustainability and EDI networks, which are open to anyone with an interest.

The poster session was another highlight, giving technicians the chance to showcase their work, discover what others are doing and begin conversations that are already inspiring ideas for future exchange visits.

What are your plans for the future?

Following the success of the relaunch, the focus now is on turning enthusiasm into action. A key priority is to fulfil the 30 pledges made on the day, whether by arranging exchange visits or hosting colleagues from partner universities.

The team is also working with Karen Hinxman to host YoTEP on the White Rose website, making the scheme easier to find and access across all three institutions. As exchanges take place, these will be shared on the site to showcase the wide range of benefits for both individuals and their universities, and to encourage a continuing cycle of requests and visits.

Alongside this, the partnership will continue to promote exchange opportunities within each university, helping to grow the network, support skills development and open up new possibilities for sharing equipment, expertise and best practice across the region.

How can staff find out more from the network and get involved?

They can email the team at yotep@leeds.ac.uk or contact the network lead with their university:

• University of Leeds
  • Jennifer Hibbard, Lead Technician, School of Biology and Technical Lead for the Technician Commitment
• University of Sheffield
  • Melanie Hannah, School Technical Manager, Faculty of Science
• University of York
  • Lucy Hudson, Head of Technical Operations: Biology, HYMS, Health Sciences, Archaeology and Psychology and Technical Lead for the Technician Commitment
  • Graeme McAllister, Head of Technical Operations: Chemistry & Environment and Geography

Thanks to Simon Lewis for the event photographs.