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College and University Support Network (CUSN) has reported steady growth in the number of people calling their free helpline, accessing coaching and downloading factsheets from the InfoCentre in its first year of operation.

Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of CUSN, said:

“CUSN’s innovative partnership with UCU means the charity can really meet the needs of the FE/HE workforce in tackling issues such as stress, workload and difficult relationships.

Further education staff are now able to share knowledge and best practise online following the launch of the QIA Excellence Gateway.

The website developed by the Quality Improvement Agency enables staff in the sector to add or download advice and materials, engage in discussion and access a directory of suppliers of improvement services.

The Universities Personnel Association (UPA) has commissioned a survey to look at student conduct towards staff in UK universities, led by Dr Deborah Lee of Nottingham Trent University. If you have experiences to share, please click here to take part in a short confidential questionnaire.

If you are experiencing difficulties with student conduct, you can contact us or read our factsheet on dealing with violent or aggressive students.

College and University Support Network sends their condolences to those who have lost friends, family and colleagues in the tragic events at Virginia Tech.

There are factsheets on dealing with trauma available on our website in addition to coaching via email and telephone counselling.

If you work in a college or university in the UK, you can access support via College and University Support Line on 08000 32 99 52.

The College and University Support Network (CUSN) has had 3,830 visitors to its website since its launch in October. CUSN, set up by a partnership of UCU and Teacher Support Network, offers round-the-clock telephone counselling, factsheets, online coaching, money advice and needs-based grants and loans specifically for college and university academic and related staff and their families.

Out of all the calls/emails since launch, the top issues were:

How would you describe your sense of job and career satisfaction, general wellbeing, work-life balance, and working conditions? The University of Portsmouth is attempting to establish a national benchmark for Quality of Working Life (QoWL) across the college and university sector.

They are asking college and university staff to complete a short online survey to assist them with their research. The findings will be used to help organisations promote good practice and plan change which can lead to a healthier work place.