“Today’s Sunday Post has run a story focusing on selective data from the latest edition of the GSA’s three-year staff survey.
“It is particularly disappointing that data from this survey has been shared with the Sunday Post before planned meetings to discuss the findings with staff.
“In response to a request to comment we shared the following information with the Sunday Post.
BACKGROUND
- The GSA staff survey was conducted in Academic Year 2018/19 between April and June as part of a 3-year cycle
- The whole purpose of conducting a staff survey is recognise and understand where you have weaknesses, strengths and areas for improvement
- While the comparison between the UK sector and the GSA’s result is useful there are differences in sample sizes that make the outcomes not directly comparable.
- The commitment of our staff to the GSA, despite the challenges is a strength and the basis on which we will be able to address the areas identified by the staff survey and build on the positives:
THERE WERE ALSO POSITIVES IN THE STAFF SURVEY
- Across four schools and professional teams over 75% (ranging from 87% to 76%) of staff surveyed agreed that ‘taking everything into account, the GSA is a good place to work’
- Over 90% of staff surveyed said that the GSA respected and treated people equally regardless of difference
- Nearly 90% said that they were interested in GSA – “to me it is more than just a job”, that they had a clear understanding of their role and that their line manager was approachable and supportive
- 88% said they felt physically safe in their working environment, were not bullied or harassed with over 80% saying that generally they enjoyed their work, are treated with respect, have good relationships with their colleagues and that their line manager values them
“The commitment of our staff, with nearly 80% saying that they are will to help each other even if it means doing something outside their usual activities, will also be invaluable, on the appointment of the permanent Director, to ensure the GSA remains one of small number of art and design institutions in the UK global top 10.”