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All PPD Personal and Professional Development courses

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Apprenticeship Case Studies new Self-taught Booking not required

Apprenticeships can help people of all ages and at all levels (including post graduate qualifications), to gain the skills and knowledge they need for a rewarding career.

We have asked some of our Apprentices about their experiences, why they chose to undertake an apprenticeship and the benefits they are seeing through their participation. Please follow the links below to see what they have to say.

Apprenticeships: Maximising the Opportunities new Thu 8 Feb 2024   14:00 Finished

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2024!

Are you interested in apprenticeship programmes and would like to know more? Do you want to find out how to make them work for you or your department? Or maybe you have a specific question that you need to ask?

This webinar is for you, hosted by Apprenticeship Manager Colin Long, who will be available to help you with all things apprenticeships and answer your burning questions. How do I put existing staff on apprenticeships? Or, How are apprenticeships funded?

Apprenticeships can help people of all ages and at all levels (including post graduate qualifications), to gain the skills and knowledge they need for a rewarding career.

A link to join the webinar will be sent with the joining instructions when your booking is confirmed.

A webinar providing information on the level 4 Associate Project Manager Apprenticeship (duration 13 months) presented by Emily Hill of Provek, who are Project Management Training specialists and will deliver this apprenticeship.

Provek are now able to offer a schedule of their open cohorts which will enable you to select your preferred programme start date to hopefully suit your individual contractual position.

Aimed at developing the skills required to run successful projects. This programme consists of 6 modules, each of which have a 1x day workshop training included. You will also sit the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Qualification (PMQ) exam and will be externally assessed to achieve the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship standard.

The purpose of the webinar will be to provide you with an overview of the programme, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

Apprenticeship guidance.

Information about the Project Management Apprenticeship delivered by Provek

A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instruction when your booking is confirmed.

Being an Active Bystander: Webinar new Self-taught Booking not required


Have you ever been concerned about a situation and wanted to help, but didn't? Hearing a racist/sexist/homophobic joke in the tea room? Seeing an inappropriate touch of a friend? Watching a colleague wince at being belittled or interrupted in a team meeting? You're not alone, this is more common for many of us than you might think.

This short session explores why this happens and what it means to be an active bystander. This includes simple changes and actions you can take to support others around you without confrontation and, over time, support a more inclusive environment for all of us to live and work in.

Access the recording of the being an active bystander webinar.

Have you ever been in a team meeting where no one voiced their opinions, there was a lack of discussion, and everyone simply went along with the most senior person?

A high performing team is one that is able to bounce ideas off each other, problem solve, and feel comfortable that no one will not be humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes. But how can this be achieved?

In this course, we explore what psychological safety looks like in a hybrid environment, what gets in the way of us speaking up, and the science-backed strategies to become a psychologically safe team in today's modern working world.

Access the recording of the Building Psychological Safety in Hybrid Teams Webinar.

Conducting Right to Work Checks: Webinar new Self-taught Booking not required

The procedure through which employers can check an individual’s right to work in the UK will change from 6 April 2022. This short course will provide staff with practical guidance on how to check right to work under the new procedures.

Access the recording of the Conducting Right to Work Checks webinar.

Digital Apprenticeships Webinar new Thu 27 Jun 2024   14:00 [Places]

An information webinar providing information on various Digital Apprenticeships available through Firebrand Training, one of our approved training providers. This webinar will provide information on several Digital Apprenticeships including;

  • Data Analyst Level 4
  • Information Communication Technician Level 3
  • Software Tester Level 4

The purpose of the webinar will be to provide you with an overview of Digital programmes available, and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instruction when your booking is confirmed.

This session is an opportunity for you to ask questions and to find out more about the development opportunities that Cambridge is offering in Engineering, Estates, Facilities, Property Maintenance, Plumbing and Electrical disciplines.

If you’re an existing member of staff looking for personal development or a manager looking to recruit to post, this could be for you. Cambridge Regional College, an approved training provider for these programmes will present and be available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have before submitting an expression of interest.

Details of some of the Apprenticeship programmes that will be included in this webinar can be found via the links below:

A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instruction when your booking is confirmed.

Global Talent Visa: Webinar new Self-taught Booking not required

The Global Talent visa is an alternative visa route for our academic and research staff. This short course explains the benefits of this visa type as an viable alternative to the Skilled worker visa route, details the eligibility for this visa, the application process, and where there are crossovers with University recruitment practices.

Access the recording of the global talent visa webinar.

Good Conversations: Podcast new Self-taught Booking not required


As a leader/manager you will have various types of conversations with your team members, this could include giving instructions, coaching, communicating information from others and providing feedback. This podcast focuses on giving feedback and how to do this well. Reshmin Haq from Personal and Professional Development (PPD) is joined by Tracey Boram, HR Shared Services Manager to discuss all things feedback including a model to use when giving constructive feedback!

Access the recording of the Good Conversations Podcast.

How Do We Do Change: Podcast new Self-taught Booking not required


Change is constant and inevitable, but how do we do change well? How do we embrace it and how do we get everyone on board? What does successful change look like and what pitfalls should we avoid. In this podcast, Emma Marron, the Head of HR Shared Services at the University joins Reshmin Haq (PPD) and shares her many experiences on change and discusses how to implement a successful change.

Find out more about the Kotter model mentioned in the podcast.

Access the recording of the How Do We Do Change Podcast.

This course is recommended for those responsible for the recruitment and selection of staff, particularly if you are new to the University but also for existing staff seeking a refresher.

In January 2021 the government launched a new immigration system applicable to new arrivals of EU and non-EU nationals on an equal basis. The new system is loosely based on the previous immigration system (Tier 2 etc.), but with some changes.

The course will outline the two key visa routes used by the University in its recruitment of international staff – the Skilled Worker Visa and the Global Talent Visa. The aim of this course is to help those involved with recruitment and selection to navigate the rules which regulate the recruitment of individuals via these two visa routes, whilst ensuring full compliance.

Access the recording of the immigration and recruitment webinar.

Immigration Rules for Visitors from 31 January 2024 new Tue 27 Feb 2024   13:30 Finished


The Immigration Rules for visitors to the UK were updated on 31 January 2024, and introduce new concessions for visiting researchers/scientists/academics which will be beneficial to the University. This session will provide an overview of these changes, along with general guidance on the visitor visa/entry process. The session will also introduce and explain the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, new will be a new requirement for non-UK visitors to the UK in 2024.

Please note that this session will be recorded. There will be an opportunity to discuss points and ask questions once the recording has ended.


The Immigration Rules for visitors to the UK were updated on 31 January 2024, and introduce new concessions for visiting researchers/scientists/academics which will be beneficial to the University. This session will provide an overview of these changes, along with general guidance on the visitor visa/entry process. The session will also introduce and explain the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, new will be a new requirement for non-UK visitors to the UK in 2024.

Access the recording of the Immigration Rules for Visitors from 31 January 2024 webinar.

Effective risk management enables the University to identify, assess and seize opportunities which assist in the delivery of its objectives and improve its performance, whilst protecting the reputation and sustainability of the University. The University is committed to ensuring that it has a robust and comprehensive system of risk management in line with the requirements of the Office for Students.

This interactive tutorial provides an introduction to the principles of risk management at the University of Cambridge. The course will give you an introduction to risk management, help you to understand why risk management is necessary and point to some practical tools and guidance to support you in managing risks.

During this period, PPD is keen to continue to promote development opportunities for University staff. This information webinar will help you to identify if you wish to progress your development by way of an Apprenticeship.

We are looking to explore what interest there is at this current time in the Laboratory Technician Level 3 and Technician Scientist Level 5 apprenticeships and hope that there will be sufficient interest to establish a University-wide cohorts. By establishing University-wide cohorts, we are looking to encourage more departments to use apprenticeships as a way to provide focused professional development for staff. Any participants will also have the advantage of a peer group support to work through the programme with. The webinar will be presented by CSR Scientific Training Ltd, who specialise in the delivery of these apprenticeship programmes.

Laboratory Technicians are found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments. The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisations.

The broad purpose of the Technician Scientist is to carry out established laboratory based investigations and scientific experimentation using bench and instrumentation techniques. A technician scientist will apply a range of skills and follow well established principles associated with their organisation’s science and technology. They carry out routine lines of enquiry, development or investigation. They collect scientific information and analyse, interpret and evaluate data. They prepare results and provide progress updates of their work.


The ability to recruit and retain the best staff is critical to the success of your team and the wider University. Recruitment and retention has been a hot topic across the University over recent months, where we have witnessed increased difficulty in attract staff in a wide range of roles and functional areas. How can you effectively create, describe and promote your vacancies? How do you decide what criteria should be essential and which ones should be desirable? How do you conduct effective interviews, so that learn more about the candidate’s suitability, whilst creating a positive experience for the candidate? In this podcast, Reshmin Haq (PPD) talks all things recruitment with Andrew Rowland (Resourcing Adviser).

Access the recording of the LMN: Recruiting the Right Candidate podcast


Hear from Andi Hudson, Director of HR and primary sponsor for the HR Transformation Programme, as she tells us about the exciting changes that are on the horizon for us all this year and next.

Andi's input covers the work underway to streamline our processes and introduce myHR, the new HR and payroll system, which will give us direct access to our own HR data and relevant information to support our teams, including induction plans and approval of leave. Collectively we will also be able to gather accurate high-level data to prioritise people development across the organisation.

The session also covers what it means for you and your teams, including managing change more broadly as a key part of your role as a manager. Find out how to share your thoughts and ideas about how we can support you in this area, and about the opportunity for you or one of your team members to join the new Advocates network.

Visit HRTransformation to read more about its aims and watch the introductory film from Andi.

Watch the recording of LMN The HR Transformation Programme Webinar.

Access the slides and links for LMN The HR Transformation Programme Webinar.

Further information regarding the Leaders and Managers Network.


Would you like to help develop at career development programme for Professional Services staff in grades 3 to 6?

This interactive session encourages participants to consider what provisions would be useful to support the development of grades 3 to 6 Professional Services staff, how this might be implemented in terms of course format and delivery and how it might be marketed to the relevant team members to encourage engagement.


Change is a constant feature in today’s workplace and this level of change certainly won’t go away and may indeed become more intense.

Studies show that the line manager has a critical role to play in ensuring staff are ready for change and in successfully implementing it. It can therefore be helpful to reflect on how we personally approach and manage change and how we can lead and support our teams through change.

This online course will give you some practical steps to help you lead your team through change whilst maintaining your own wellbeing.

This information webinar presents two new apprenticeships to the University:

Learning & Skills Mentor Level 4

Coaching Professional Level 5

The session is an opportunity for you to find out more about these new development opportunities that Cambridge is offering you and to ask any questions.

The Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship Level 4 is for individuals who support others with their learning and development towards agreed goals and will benefit any individual looking to develop their abilities as a mentor, team leader, coach, supervisor or manager. You must have a strong aspiration to support learners, along with a commitment to making the time to do so. You may have some pre-existing experience of informal mentoring, that can be built upon throughout the programme. This is a 15-month programme, and you will be expected to mentor at least 3 mentees on this programme.

The Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Level 5 aims to develop the capabilities of current or aspiring coaches, to allow them to develop a range of coaching skills. This is for individuals to work as an internal coach with a wide range of individuals and teams, to enhance their professional performance. Coaching is a way of leading in a non-directive manner, helping people to learn through listening and reflective open questions rather than instructing, giving advice or making suggestions. You will benefit from one-to-one coaching from experienced coach mentors and training the stretches and challenges the development of core coaching skills.

There are two options – a 17-month programme for those new to coaching and 15-month programme for those who have coaching experience. You will be expected to build up a minimum of 36 hours of coaching practice. The completion of the programme will demonstrate that you have acquired and applied the skills needed to be an effective coach.

We are looking to establish what interest there for either apprenticeship and hope that there will be sufficient interest to establish University-wide cohorts. By establishing University-wide cohorts, we are looking to encourage more departments to use apprenticeships as a way to provide focused professional development for staff.

The OCM Group, our approved training provider for these programmes, will deliver the webinar and will be available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have before submitting an expression of interest.

Programme details of each apprenticeship can be found via the links below:

Learning & Skills Mentor Level 4

Coaching Professional Level 5

There is a minimum of 8 people required for each programme, for a cohort to run. Depending on the level of interest shown, it is intended that these apprenticeship cohorts will start mid-2024. However, you will also have the opportunity to join an open (public) cohort if we are unable to reach sufficient numbers for a closed cohort. Entry to these cohorts will be by application and is open to all University employees who meet the eligibility criteria.

A link to the session will be sent with the joining instructions when your booking is confirmed.

Further information from the provider, the OCM Group.

Apprenticeship guidance.

Let Us Talk Teams: Podcast new Self-taught Booking not required


How do you lead, build and contribute to creating effective Teams? What is the secret map for this? In this podcast, Reshmin Haq (PPD) discusses building effective teams using the Tuckman model with Daniela Manca (University Recovery Programme).

Access the recording of the Let us Talk Teams Podcast.

LinkedIn Learning: Building your Resilience new Self-taught Booking not required

A LinkedIn Learning course on Building your Resilience, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

LinkedIn Learning: Crucial Conversations new Self-taught Booking not required

A LinkedIn Learning course on Crucial Conversations, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

LinkedIn Learning: Demonstrating Dignity at Work new Self-taught Booking not required

A LinkedIn Learning course on Demonstrating Dignity at Work, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

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