You said, we listened... The results of the Member Survey

As you will remember, during the summer we sent out a Member Survey, in order to gauge the satisfaction of our members. We had a fantastic response rate and would like to thank all those who took the time out to fill in the survey. The results have contributed towards the research that forms part of the ongoing Strategic Review. Here’s what you told us:

 

You and the AUA

  • 68% of you believe that the AUA has given you a stronger sense of professional identity
  • 68% have been connected with like-minded professionals
  • 47% tell us that AUA membership provides professional credibility
  • 45% of you tell us that the AUA has helped you become better administrators

 

What’s important to you…

  • Effective networking opportunities are key
  • Our communications should be as precise and succinct as possible
  • You have less time than ever to take part in activities

 

What you want from your Association…

  • 96% of you told us that keeping up to date with developments of the HE sector is vital
  • 91% of you want access to the same opportunities no matter where you are based
  • 81% said AUA funds should be targeted to optimise a consistent level of quality of development opportunities
  • 67% of you want career long support
  • 65% said that AUA membership should be recognised beyond the sector
  • 55% said we should formally recognise your commitment to CPD

 

And this is what we are doing about it…

The website

Only 45% of you were satisfied with our current website, so you will notice that we’ve just launched our brand new website. We’ll also be introducing a new Members Only area with increased interactivity so look out for this in the coming weeks. We'll also be working on increasing the amount of online resources that you will have access to as part of a review of the membership benefits package.

AUA Update

25% of you told us to make access to bulletins easier, and so we are introducing the new AUA update: a fortnightly round up of AUA news, activities and events, information on our partners and popular news stories. This will replace the current Professional Development Bulletin and take the best bits from our former Press Digest (which many of you want us to bring back).

Network Structure

Many of you wanted access to a more consistent level of service and activity regardless of your location so we are revitalising our current Network structure to offer you more opportunities to get involved with our professional networks, both geographical and special interest.  We’ll also be introducing networking areas on our new member only area of the website to allow virtual networking for those who don’t have the resource to attend activities.

CPD and Career Development

67% of you told us that we should offer development at every stage of your career and 55% of you wanted formal recognition for your CPD. So we have just launched a new Curriculum Development Short Life Working Group to investigate expanding our range of qualifications beyond the PGCert. In addition, the Board of Trustees are currently developing a new membership structure which will recognise your personal commitment to CPD, as well as offer career development support.

 

We'll be letting you know about further developments of the Association over the coming weeks and months so look out for articles in Newslink, on the web and in our brand new AUA update for more information.