PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

The rights and responsibilities outlined in the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts increasingly impact upon the University’s academic and administrative work. This course explores the key concepts in the Data Protection Act 1998 and illustrates how the ‘data protection principles’ affect various day-to-day working scenarios. It introduces the fundamental aspects of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and details the ways in which the University handles responses to individual requests under both Acts. Finally, it outlines various records management and information security measures that can aid compliance with the legislation and lead to a more efficient working environment.

Minute taking is not about speed writing but about recognising what is important and understanding the needs of the meeting participants. This course will show you how to compile concise meeting notes.

The course is for anyone who is required to take factual records of departmental/faculty meetings and distribute action points afterwards. It does not cover the additional skills required to take minutes at University committee meetings.

Increase your confidence and skills in one-to-one communication with this highly participative course. Effective communication starts in your head and it isn’t just about the words you say. Your tone of voice, facial expression and body language all communicate a message. This course will help you get your message across more clearly. You will also have the opportunity to practise communication skills on a one-to-one basis.

This course prepares you to excel at interview. You will learn how to anticipate questions you will be asked and plan how to answer them successfully. You will also learn how to project yourself positively and feel as calm and in control as you will look. This course is highly participative and will include a short mock interview as well as an opportunity to share experiences with other course members.

The focus of the course is to provide participants with the generic skills necessary to succeed at interview in a variety of contexts. Research staff/postdoctoral research staff are advised to refer to the University Careers Service for information on specific Careers Programmes for research staff/postdoctoral research staff, including interview skills support. For contact details and further information please visit www.careers.cam.ac.uk

If you are new to supervising graduate students at Cambridge (studying both for one-year courses or PhDs) the Board of Graduate Studies strongly recommends you to take part in some form of professional development. In collaboration with BGS, Personal and Professional Development offers training and support for newly-appointed supervisors of graduate students and for those new to the Cambridge system. The workshops, which run over lunchtime, are designed to consider reciprocal expectations and duties, as well as approaches to supervising, and to raise awareness of possible issues and where to go for support.

If you are new to supervising graduate students at Cambridge (who are studying both for one-year courses or PhDs) the Board of Graduate Studies strongly recommends you to take part in some form of professional development. In collaboration with BGS, Personal and Professional Development offers training and support for newly-appointed supervisors of graduate students and for those new to the Cambridge system. The workshops, which run over lunchtime, are designed to consider reciprocal expectations and duties, as well as approaches to supervising, and to raise awareness of possible issues and where to go for support.

This course prepares you to excel at interview. You will learn how to anticipate questions you will be asked and plan how to answer them successfully. You will also learn how to project yourself positively and feel as calm and in control as you will look. This course is highly participative and will include a short mock interview as well as an opportunity to share experiences with other course members.

The focus of the course is to provide participants with the generic skills necessary to succeed at interview in a variety of contexts. Research staff/postdoctoral research staff are advised to refer to the University Careers Service for information on specific Careers Programmes for research staff/postdoctoral research staff, including interview skills support. For contact details and further information please visit www.careers.cam.ac.uk

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation and gain and hold the attention of an audience? Would you like to make a positive initial impact and keep control of difficult situations? In this individualised and confidential one-hour session you will determine the objectives and work on exercises to address your specific interests.

If you are regularly required to write, or offer advice on writing, CHRIS/PD33s, either as a line manager or a departmental administrator then this course is for you.

Effective administration transforms organisations. Through this Seminar Series we will explore the experiences of specialists from both inside and outside the University. They bring with them expertise of senior leadership, ground breaking research and innovative models of transforming organisations.

Adrian Ruth is the Programme Director of BBC Spark, the transformational programme at the forefront of inspiring and driving change across the corporation. The project is driven from the top levels of the BBC and employs co-operative methods with teams across television, radio, online, News and support services teams. Adrian will share his experiences and lessons learnt from applying lean, continuous improvement across the BBC.

As a manager, handling relationships is one of your key skills. An ability to think, speak and act assertively in these relationships will enhance your reputation and success. If you want to motivate staff, earn their loyalty and enable them to achieve the best possible results, then this course is for you. It will also deal with the challenges of managing your own manager assertively.

As a manager, it is your responsibility to get the best out of your staff so that your team functions at its full potential. This can be a daunting challenge: some individuals are easier to manage than others! This course will pinpoint the skills you need to understand and manage staff performance and focus on the University policies which must underpin your approach. Presentation, DVD and group discussion will be used to highlight key points and activities will give you an opportunity to practise in a safe and supportive environment.

Increase your confidence and skills in one-to-one communication with this highly participative course. Effective communication starts in your head and it isn’t just about the words you say. Your tone of voice, facial expression and body language all communicate a message. This course will help you get your message across more clearly. You will also have the opportunity to practise communication skills on a one-to-one basis.

Effective administration transforms organisations. Through this Seminar Series we will explore the experiences of specialists from both inside and outside the University. They bring with them expertise of senior leadership, ground breaking research and innovative models of transforming organisations.

Ros Hitchen and Tracy Hayler, from Bristol University’s Change Management Team, will share their experiences of delivering change within a university environment. The University of Bristol's change management team was established in the summer of 2008 to lead and support people through organisational change. Members of the team are assigned to key University projects and have developed a range of tools and strategies to facilitate the change process.

This programme offers an introduction to management skills and is externally accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). It is highly participative and there is a strong emphasis on applying new learning to your work situation for the benefit of your team and your department.

The course is primarily aimed at those who currently have management responsibilities for others (including managers, team leaders or supervisors) or equivalent responsibilities (e.g. for managing services, projects, resources). All participants must have the opportunity to meet the assessment requirements which are specified by the ILM – please see further details below.

Please note that there is currently a waiting list for this programme. If you are interested in attending please complete the application form at the link below and send a signed paper copy to PPD. Your application will be considered and your name will be added to the waiting list if you are eligible. When a place becomes available we will contact you to confirm your place.

Level 3 Award in First Line Management Application Form - your application to attend the programme will not be considered until we have received a copy of this application document.

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. With the introduction of the Points-based immigration system and with immigration legislation becoming ever stricter, the UK now operates one of the world’s most complex immigration systems. The aim of this course is to help those involved with recruitment and selection to navigate the rules which regulate the recruitment of individuals who are subject to immigration control, whilst ensuring full compliance. It will outline the key requirements in advertising, selection, pre-employment checks and the responsibilities throughout employment that the University is legally bound to observe.