Who is it for?
The Deputies & Senior Staff Group (D&SSG) is a forum for staff who have senior operational and strategic responsibilities within Mercian member libraries.
Membership is open to Deputies or members of the senior management team i.e. at the level immediately below the director/head of library services. In a converged service, this may be third tier.
Representation is voluntary and more than one person from each institution can participate should they wish. People who are also members of SCONUL deputies groups are welcome.
What is it for?
The group allows members to:
- Exchange experience and expertise
- Network
- Share innovation and best practice
- Discuss sector-wide topics and issues
- Participate in horizon scanning
- Get advice and support if they are new to senior positions
How often does it meet?
The group meets 3-4 times a year, usually online.
There is no restriction on membership: more then one person from an institution can attend a meeting.
Mailing List
Members can also discuss issues and seek advice between meetings using the group’s mailing list:
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/wa-jisc.exe?A0=MERCIAN-SENIORSTAFF-GROUP
Group Organisation
The chair rotates from meeting to meeting. The Group Sponsor is Emma Walton (Loughborough)
- Terms of Reference (v1.1, June 2021)
- Agendas, Minutes, & Reports (autumn 2019 – autumn 2022)
Updated 5th August 2025
