Each of the University's three colleges employs a team of technical and professional services staff. The size, shape and structure of these teams vary according to the business of the college, although their function remains the same: to support academics and students with their teaching and research activities.

Working closely with a range of University directorates, these teams support the College Pro-Vice Chancellor and other senior academic colleagues with planning and development of courses and the effective management of college resources.

All three colleges have a core of staff within a Business Support Team. Activities that are routinely undertaken by Business Support, or associated teams, include

• portfolio and partnerships development and review
• contracts and commissioning
• management information and planning for specialist subject areas
• research administration
• support for people related processes (recruitment, induction, appraisal, training and development, work planning)
• internal communications
• secretarial support
• risk management