The work of the Steering Group

The Technician Commitment Steering Group was established to advance activities on technicians’ development and recognition, under Imperial's commitment to action in five areas identified by the Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy as affecting technical staff. Specifically, the Group will: 

  1. Visibility - Ensure that all technicians within the organisation are identifiable and that the contribution of technicians is visible within and beyond the institution
  2. Recognition - Support technicians to gain recognition through professional registration
  3. Career development - Enable career progression opportunities for technicians by providing clear, documented career pathways.
  4. Sustainability - Ensure the future sustainability of technical skills across the organisation and that technical expertise is fully utilised.
  5. Evaluating impact - Regularly assess the impact of actions taken in support of the commitment to ensure their effectiveness.

The Steering Group will seek the views and feedback of technical staff as regards initiatives and activities under the Commitment and promote these across the technical community, providing progress updates to the University Management Board. The Steering Group will normally meet once each term. 

The meeting dates for 2025-2026 are:

  • 15 Oct 2025
  • 08 Dec 2025
  • 25 Feb 2026
  • 20 May 2026

Staff are encouraged to reach out to Steering Group members with feedback or suggestions.

Scroll down to view the Minutes of the Technician Commitment Steering Group from 2023. 

Meet the Steering Group

  • Tim Venables

    Personal details

    Tim Venables Faculty Operating Officer, Engineering (Chair of the Steering Group)

  • Ailish Harikae

    Personal details

    Ailish Harikae Learning & Talent Manager, Talent & Culture

  • Naweeda Ahmad

    Personal details

    Naweeda Ahmad Learning and Talent Coordinator, Talent & Culture

  • Joel Abrahams

    Personal details

    Joel Abrahams Biological Research Officer, Department of Surgery & Cancer

  • Paul Brown

    Personal details

    Paul Brown Head of Technical Operations, Physics

  • Farheen Khan

    Personal details

    Farheen Khan Technical Services Manager at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Department of Chemistry

  • Kenneth Keating

    Personal details

    Kenneth Keating Head of Technical Operations and Safety, Bioengineering

  • Rakesh Patel

    Personal details

    Rakesh Patel Director of Maintenance, Property Division

  • Dr Sharron Stubbs

    Personal details

    Dr Sharron Stubbs Head of Infrastructure Operations, Faculty of Medicine Centre

  • Angela Williams

    Personal details

    Angela Williams Learning and Development Officer, Property Division