PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for others’ work, behaviour and development, which aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area. As well as clarifying key responsibilities, it focuses on critical areas that some can find more difficult, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing of good practice with others with similar responsibilities. It also includes curated e-learning resources to support managers with their ongoing learning and development.

Participants are required to attend both half day sessions.

Before attending, please take some time to review the short Leadership Essentials: Management Responsibilities Films of other University colleagues talking about their role as a manager.

This workshop provides an opportunity for academic staff to understand the recruitment and selection process and how to create the conditions where you can recruit the best candidate and avoid common pitfalls. It includes an overview of the recruitment and selection process and identifies the key principles to ensure practice is fair to all candidates at each stage.

The course is primarily aimed at academic staff involved in making selection decisions for academic roles and those with responsibility for coordinating academic recruitment procedures.

This informal small group discussion is for those who have attended Staff Review and Development (Appraisal) an Overview for all Staff or have completed the Effective Staff Review and Development: Online module or who have equivalent knowledge and experience of the process.

The session is a chance to consider how you can prepare for a constructive and meaningful discussion with your team member, and to share your experience and questions with others.

This programme is designed to support leaders and managers across the University (in academic, research and professional service posts) with the skills and insights they need to lead others effectively. It will enable participants to reflect on their current leadership style and provide techniques they can use to effectively manage a diverse range of perspectives and create an inclusive culture across the University. Those with responsibility for others have a key role to play in shaping a positive working environment, supporting progression and ensuring equality, including pay equality. Given the University's strategic priorities, it is critical that leaders and managers understand the impact of their decisions throughout the employment timeline and know how to reduce the risk of sex, race or other discrimination, whether explicit or implicit.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Pearn Kandola, experts in evidence-based inclusive leadership development.

These monthly meetings are for managers and leaders across the University to meet informally and talk about the successes and challenges of this part of their role. The meetings are for all those who are professionally responsible for others in the workplace, formally and informally.

The meeting may include a short update about the Network or opportunities for leaders and managers. Following that is the chance for smaller groups of colleagues to speak about current priorities and plans, and to feedback suggestions for the development of the Network, supported by PPD.

Further information regarding the Leaders and Managers Network.

Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for others’ work, behaviour and development, which aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area. As well as clarifying key responsibilities, it focuses on critical areas that some can find more difficult, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing of good practice with others with similar responsibilities. It also includes curated e-learning resources to support managers with their ongoing learning and development.

Participants are required to attend both half day sessions.

Before attending, please take some time to review the short Leadership Essentials: Management Responsibilities Films of other University colleagues talking about their role as a manager.

This development programme for generalist and specialist administrators draws on the expertise of senior figures in the University and provides up to date information on the various strands and issues of University strategy and governance. It includes development of some key skills and a project activity, and offers a valuable opportunity to network with administrators from the UAS and other departments and institutions.

Selection for this programme is via nomination by School Secretaries, Heads of Division or Heads of Non-School Institutions during the summer. Nominees will need to demonstrate the benefit of participating, both for themselves and their institution. Please speak to your line manager and/or appropriate nominator if you would like to be considered. Please see further information about key themes and speakers on the programme flyer.

Coaching is an essential tool for managers and other professionals to use to help individuals to unlock their full potential and enhance their performance. You will be introduced to the technique of coaching and focus on the development of a range of skills that may be used to coach others effectively. This course is highly participative and will include the opportunity to practice your coaching skills.

Jo’s briefing will provide you with an understanding of the risks associated with undertaking externally funded research projects and how income from research impacts the University finances, particularly in the current climate.

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

This short session will set the scene for those moving in to a role with professional responsibility for other members of staff at the University, supporting their work, behaviour and development. As we all know from our personal and professional experience, leaders and managers play a critical role in ensuring a productive, motivating and respectful working environment. The interactive session will explore what it means to be a good manager of others and provide pointers to where to find important information and further development as needed.

It is aimed at staff across all areas, disciplines, staff groups and levels of responsibility, including staff who are:

• new to managing one or more others
• new to leading a service or research area
• new to Cambridge, either as a new manager or with previous experience

Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for others’ work, behaviour and development, which aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area. As well as clarifying key responsibilities, it focuses on critical areas that some can find more difficult, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, reflection and sharing of good practice with others with similar responsibilities. It also includes curated e-learning resources to support managers with their ongoing learning and development.

Participants are required to attend both half day sessions.

Before attending, please take some time to review the short Leadership Essentials: Management Responsibilities Films of other University colleagues talking about their role as a manager.

The University of Cambridge is committed to effective induction for all new members of staff. In addition to the welcome and induction you will receive in your institution, you are warmly invited to take part in the University’s two-stage induction.

The first stage comprises the University’s Induction Online programme. This web resource is a quick and easy way for you to learn all about what it is like to work here as well as understand your role and responsibilities. It provides key information to help you:

• settle into your new role quickly
• orientate yourself in your first few weeks at the University
• integrate into the University
• understand how the University works

The second stage is a Welcome to New Staff presentation event, hosted by Personal and Professional Development (PPD). The Welcome event aims to provide a broad introduction to all University staff, providing information about the University to enable you to get the most out of your time here. The event comprises:

• A welcome and introduction to the University from a senior member of the University
• A presentation providing an update on the University’s response to supporting staff during this pandemic, working from home, returning or continuing to work at the University
• A presentation on the benefits of being part of the University of Cambridge

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

The University is an institutional member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and we work together to remove barriers to inclusion.

Keith Harris (BDF Disability Business Partner) will lead this session in partnership with the Disabled Staff Network (DSN). The session will cover what each us can do to support disability inclusion through all aspects of the employee life cycle from attraction and recruitment to development and retention. It will also include a demo of the BDF Knowledge Hub (available when you register with your @cam address) on areas including neurodiversity, mental health and support for People Managers.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions, discuss with others and hear about internal resources such as the DSN Buddy scheme for managers (available for confidential, informal advice when you need it).

Further information about the Leaders and Managers Network.

This programme is designed to support leaders and managers across the University (in academic, research and professional service posts) with the skills and insights they need to lead others effectively. It will enable participants to reflect on their current leadership style and provide techniques they can use to effectively manage a diverse range of perspectives and create an inclusive culture across the University. Those with responsibility for others have a key role to play in shaping a positive working environment, supporting progression and ensuring equality, including pay equality. Given the University's strategic priorities, it is critical that leaders and managers understand the impact of their decisions throughout the employment timeline and know how to reduce the risk of sex, race or other discrimination, whether explicit or implicit.

The programme is delivered in partnership with Pearn Kandola, experts in evidence-based inclusive leadership development.

Managing conflict and challenging situations in the workplace can be difficult, time consuming and can potentially have a negative impact on you and your team. This course will help you to understand some of the reasons why these situations arise, and identify strategies for managing these situations effectively.

Recommended for those responsible for the recruitment and selection of staff, who are interested in developing further skills in this area. This course prepares you to effectively carry out the recruitment and selection process taking you through the stages of producing a person specification, short listing effectively against selection criteria, designing questions, structuring and conducting interviews, and making the final decision. University policies and procedures will also be covered.

If you are looking to update and refresh your understanding of the recruitment and selection processes at the University of Cambridge, it is recommended that you attend the 1/2 day workshop: Recruitment Essentials: Appointing the Right Candidate (Professional Services Appointments).

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

A two part programme to support career development and progression for Professional Services staff:

Part 1

This highly interactive workshop will enable you to step back from the ‘day-to-day’ and focus on your career objectives, short and long term. You will have the opportunity to explore what development opportunities you could grasp and what networks might assist you. You will also have the opportunity to consider what’s holding you back and how you can overcome these barriers to fulfil your career aspirations. You will leave the workshop with a personal career plan in draft format, that you will be able to explore in greater depth.

Part 2

Access to an Online Career Development Tool designed to further support career development and progression. The tool enables you to assess your skills and behavioural attributes against the levels required for your current role, and for roles that you may wish to progress into in the future. It also identifies areas for professional development to support your career development. Guidance on accessing and using the tool will be sent to you at the end of the month in which you attend the workshop.