PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

Change is a constant feature in today’s workplace and yet many of us find it hard to navigate successfully through change.

Studies show that the line manager has a critical role to play in ensuring staff are ready for change and in successfully implementing it. These sessions will equip you with the skills and attitudes you need to guide, support and motivate your team through the process of change.

Case studies, discussion and activities will provide the opportunity to share ideas and embed skills.

The Senior Tutors' Committee expects those involved in the undergraduate admissions selection process to receive appropriate training. These workshops cover the entire selection process as well as interviewing techniques. Led by Admissions Tutors, they are designed to help you make your contribution to the admissions selection process as effective as possible. They include opportunities to practise by interviewing current first-year undergraduates, using authentic paperwork, and they explain how interviews and admissions decisions relate to the University’s agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

The workshop will focus on mock interviews, with first-year undergraduates in related disciplines, and on discussion with an Admissions Tutor. We have asked all volunteer interviewees to consent to our circulating their application papers to participants in advance of the workshop, so that you may consider possible approaches to interviewing mock applicants. Closer to the date of the session we will send you copies of the handouts by email, to be printed and taken with you to the session.

Before attending the workshop, please study the online module. This module provides an overview of Cambridge's undergraduate admissions process and highlights some important principles and practices relating to conducting effective admissions.

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

The second stage comprises Welcome to Cambridge, an event hosted by Personal and Professional Development (PPD). The Welcome to Cambridge events are held three times a year. Following a welcome from a senior member of the University and an introduction to the role of the Colleges and their relationship with the University, participants can browse the wide range of opportunities and sources of support available to you as a member of University staff. Please review our exhibitor's list for details of the exhibitors.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

At work and at home, it’s all too easy to speak and act without thinking – and then regret it afterwards. Acting on instinct can lead us to behave aggressively or passively. Both of these are generally unhelpful for our own reputation and for our relationships with others.

Communicating Assertively will show you how to avoid both extremes and instead to use assertive behaviour to build constructive and respectful working relationships.

This blended programme comprises an online module and a face to face workshop. You will be expected to have completed the online material before attending the face to face workshop.

The online module will help you understand the assertive mindset and to highlight what assertiveness looks and sounds like.

The face to face workshop provides an opportunity to discuss what you have learned, to put your assertive skills into practice and to receive individual guidance and feedback.

Instructions regarding how to access the online module will be given in your booking confirmation email.

If you would prefer to complete just the online module without attending a face to face workshop, please visit the booking page for the online module only.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

Would you like to learn exercises that will reduce vocal strain, improve vocal range, variety, clarity and pronunciation to 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.

The Senior Tutors' Committee expects those involved in the undergraduate admissions selection process to receive appropriate training. These workshops cover the entire selection process as well as interviewing techniques. Led by Admissions Tutors, they are designed to help you make your contribution to the admissions selection process as effective as possible. They include opportunities to practise by interviewing current first-year undergraduates, using authentic paperwork, and they explain how interviews and admissions decisions relate to the University’s agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

The workshop will focus on mock interviews, with first-year undergraduates in related disciplines, and on discussion with an Admissions Tutor. We have asked all volunteer interviewees to consent to our circulating their application papers to participants in advance of the workshop, so that you may consider possible approaches to interviewing mock applicants. Closer to the date of the session we will send you copies of the handouts by email, to be printed and taken with you to the session.

Before attending the workshop, please study the online module. This module provides an overview of Cambridge’s undergraduate admissions process and highlights some important principles and practices relating to conducting effective admissions.

This course is aimed to increase your understanding of the issues surrounding disclosures of sexual assault and harassment of students, the support available locally and the new University Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Procedures.

The University must ensure that there are appropriate arrangements in place to promote effective risk management; this is a condition of grant under the terms of the Financial Memorandum between the HEFCE and the Higher Education Institutions it funds.

This course will explore what risk management is and why it is necessary, and the particular benefits that can be derived from effective risk management. A key focus of the course will be to review the University’s system for risk management and to explore how this system can be implemented at the local level of Faculties and Departments.

This participative workshop will identify where barriers could exist for disabled students. It will provide an opportunity to discuss best practice and any concerns relating to your area of work. The session will focus on practical strategies and advance planning to create more inclusive learning environments.

The Senior Tutors' Committee expects those involved in the undergraduate admissions selection process to receive appropriate training. These workshops cover the entire selection process as well as interviewing techniques. Led by Admissions Tutors, they are designed to help you make your contribution to the admissions selection process as effective as possible. They include opportunities to practise by interviewing current first-year undergraduates, using authentic paperwork, and they explain how interviews and admissions decisions relate to the University’s agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

The workshop will focus on mock interviews, with first-year undergraduates in related disciplines, and on discussion with an Admissions Tutor. We have asked all volunteer interviewees to consent to our circulating their application papers to participants in advance of the workshop, so that you may consider possible approaches to interviewing mock applicants. Closer to the date of the session we will send you copies of the handouts by email, to be printed and taken with you to the session.

Before attending the workshop, please study the online module. This module provides an overview of Cambridge’s undergraduate admissions process and highlights some important principles and practices relating to conducting effective admissions.

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.

The Senior Tutors' Committee expects those involved in the undergraduate admissions selection process to receive appropriate training. These workshops cover the entire selection process as well as interviewing techniques. Led by Admissions Tutors, they are designed to help you make your contribution to the admissions selection process as effective as possible. They include opportunities to practise by interviewing current first-year undergraduates, using authentic paperwork, and they explain how interviews and admissions decisions relate to the University’s agreement with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).

The workshop will focus on mock interviews, with first-year undergraduates in related disciplines, and on discussion with an Admissions Tutor. We have asked all volunteer interviewees to consent to our circulating their application papers to participants in advance of the workshop, so that you may consider possible approaches to interviewing mock applicants. Closer to the date of the session we will send you copies of the handouts by email, to be printed and taken with you to the session.

Before attending the workshop, please study the online module. This module provides an overview of Cambridge’s undergraduate admissions process and highlights some important principles and practices relating to conducting effective admissions.

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.

Even the most skilled communicators sometimes struggle to get their message across. This course will equip you with the mindset and knowledge to communicate effectively when it really matters. Learn how to deliver your message with sincerity, clarity and enthusiasm. Staff who wish to improve their one-to-one communication skills in challenging and difficult situations will benefit from this course.

This programme aims to explore the complex leadership skills required by Heads of Institution and those in equivalent roles, in support of the University’s mission of achieving world-class research and teaching. Those new or recently appointed to their roles are especially encouraged to participate.

Module 1: The Head of Institution as Leader
The first session includes presentations from the Vice-Chancellor and from a number of experienced Heads of Institution. It provides an overview of current and past theories of leadership as a context for the programme.

Module 2: Leading Strategy and Change
The session will consider the challenges in leading a department/team, including allocation of resources and setting priorities. It will also include presentations on leading others in a higher education environment from the PVC for Institutional and International Relations, and the Registrary.

Module 3: Leading Others through Change
This session is a continuation of Module 2 and considers the change leadership aspect of strategic implementation. It includes approaches to leading change, engaging others and dealing with resistance.

Module 4: Leading One Conversation at a Time
The session uses professional actors to practise and prepare for typically challenging leadership conversations. It offers the opportunity for participants to be coached as they practise in a safe and controlled environment.

Engage in Learning is a theory and practice informed supervisor development programme on how to build supportive learning relationships. It is aimed at supervisors of Cambridge students with a minimum of three to five years’ experience of teaching in higher education.

Participants will explore approaches and challenges to building supportive supervisory relationships through dialogical learning activities — small group discussions, reflection exercises based on experiences, film clips, case studies and dilemmas drawn from practice. Readings will be provided prior to each workshop. The programme will emphasise building on participants’ own experiences. Between each workshop participants will be asked to observe and keep a written log of specific experiences of supervision; these will be discussed in the subsequent workshop.

Workshops (key topics covered)
A maximum of 12 participants will attend four two-hour-long workshops. Each workshop will be held between 12:30 to 14:30.


21 September 2017
Workshop 1
Building supportive relationships for learning: theory and context

• Attachment theory
• Mindfulness
• Institutional identity
• Communication

19 October 2017
Workshop 2
Empowering and facilitating growth

• Growth mindset
• Relational power
• Transformational learning
• Self-efficacy

23 November 2017
Workshop 3
Maintaining a supportive relationship

• Boundaries
• Balance
• Dialogical reflection

7 December 2017
Workshop 4
Engaging in learning together

• Synthesis of themes and topics

Prior to registration please make sure that you are available on each of those days.

All workshops will be held at the Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning, 25 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1QA. The map gives directions to PPD, where the Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning is located.

This session will provide an introduction to implicit or unconscious bias and will help you start to understand how our biases influence the decisions we make. These may include decisions around recruitment, selection, assessment and broader interactions with others.

The session will include tutor input, group activities and videos and to raise awareness about how to recognise and begin to manage the impact of implicit bias. We will also consider further sources of guidance to support individuals in their roles with specific responsibilities e.g. for managing others, teaching etc.

This course is aimed to increase your understanding of the issues surrounding disclosures of sexual assault and harassment of students, the support available locally and the new University Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Procedures.