Staff Survey 2008

Background

The key aims of the survey were to monitor trends in staff perceptions across a number of areas, by mapping the results against those from the Birkbeck survey in 2005, but also to explore some topics in greater detail, and to understand current views of what it’s like to work at Birkbeck – what works well and/or is valued, as well as anything that needs to be addressed.

Methodology

The survey was based on the framework of Birkbeck’s previous survey, consisting of 79 structured questions and 7 open-ended questions where respondents were encouraged to comment on particular issues.

Questions were arranged under the following twelve sections:

• Working for Birkbeck
• Quality
• Leadership
• Management Support
• Communication
• Your Job
• Respect and Fairness
• Working with Colleagues
• Training and Development
• Working Conditions
• Pay and Reward
• Overall Satisfaction

Response Levels

The 2008 Birkbeck Staff Survey resulted in a 40% response rate, in comparison to a 53% response rate achieved in the 2005 Survey.

The 2008 survey’s results reflect the views of 459 people and therefore provide a substantial body of evidence about what it’s like to work at Birkbeck.