PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

This course prepares you to showcase with confidence your skills, experience and potential in a job interview that takes place either virtually or in-person. You will learn how to prepare for interview, anticipate likely questions and plan how to answer them. You will learn techniques for handling nerves and be able to project yourself positively on screen and in-person.

You will also be able to pre-empt and deal with common technical challenges that can occur in an online interview.

The course is highly participative, providing an opportunity to share experiences with others, as well as time to practise your skills.

A Team Charter is a written document created by colleagues within a team to purposefully communicate and work together. Co-creating a Team Charter is a way of establishing clarity of purpose, defining operational responsibilities within and for the team, and a way to ensure challenges can be approached respectfully and with accountability.

Teams are always evolving and developing. Over the last 2 years, teams have had to adapt in so many new ways and, for many, has forced us to look at what works and what doesn’t, especially in a hybrid environment. Purposeful communication about how we want to work together is really beneficial to all members of the team, and is really helpful for new team members too.

Creating a Team Charter can be led by the manager, group or team lead, or by a member of the team, or as a peer activity. Everyone will be involved, and there are various ways of approaching it.

The Briefing aims to address key information required for Heads of Institution with regard to finance. Professor David Cardwell, PVC Strategy and Planning and David Hughes, Director of Finance will cover the following topics:

• University financials and overarching narrative
• Planning, budgeting and investment decision making (today and tomorrow)
• Introduction to key Financial Regulations and operational procedures
• Current key transformational initiatives, including the Enhanced Financial Transparency project
• Where to go for help and support

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 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.

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.

For those who cannot attend this session, please note that it will be recorded and details will follow after the session.

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

Phil Stittle and programme leads from West Suffolk 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 included in this webinar can be found via the links below:

Property Maintenance Operative Level 2

Facilities Management Supervisors Level 3

Engineering Technician Level 3

Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Level 3

Installation Electrician and Maintenance electrician Level 3

Improvement Practitioner Level 4

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

Apprenticeship guidance.

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 Learning and Development Network.

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.

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.

Come along to this short session to find out 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.

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 last two years before retirement are a good time to prepare for personal change in readiness for leaving employment. We offer two different pre-retirement courses and recommend that you book on to both.

This course includes detailed information on occupational pensions and managing your time in retirement. You will have the opportunity to share information and discuss any concerns about retirement in a relaxed setting.

Representatives from University Pensions Administration will provide details of the occupational pension schemes relevant to those attending the course (CPS and USS). They will also answer individual queries. Benefit statements for participants who are members of the CPS scheme will be provided in advance of the session.

Miranda Carr will lead an informal discussion on how to approach managing your time in retirement.

If you are also interested in Retirement: Pre-retirement - Legal and Finance please book that related course which will cover the following:

• Legal Advisors from Barr Ellison, Cambridge will explore some of the key legal issues that you may wish to consider when approaching retirement i.e. Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney.
• Philip Bowden-Pickstock of Dartington Wealth will give a detailed overview of the different ways in which you may wish to consider managing your retirement income. He will give details of how tax is collected in retirement and answer questions.
• HR colleagues will outline the possible options for retirement for Established staff and the processes involved with each option, as well as the actions that need to be taken.

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. This event will be an online webinar. 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.

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.