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PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

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May 2024

Thu 9	Recruitment Essentials: Appointing the Right Candidate (Professional Services Appointments) [Full] 09:30 - 12:30 N/A - MS Teams This workshop provides an opportunity for those recruiting to professional services roles to update and refresh their understanding of the recruitment and selection processes at the University of Cambridge. It includes an overview of the current recruitment and selection process and how to create the conditions where you can recruit the best candidate, avoiding common pitfalls, whilst ensuring practice is fair to all candidates at each stage. NOTE If you are new to recruitment and selection, it is recommended that you attend the Recruitment and Selection Skills workshop.
Mon 13	Staff Review and Development (Appraisal) an Overview for all Staff [Places] 11:00 - 12:15 N/A - MS Teams This short webinar is a useful refresher about the overall purpose and outcomes of SRD (appraisal) and an opportunity to consider what you can do to help ensure an effective discussion as reviewee and/or reviewer. Whether you work in a research, teaching or professional service area, SRD (appraisal) provides the opportunity for individuals to engage in constructive discussion with supervisors, managers or academic/research colleagues about current and future work and personal and career development. The webinar will have limited opportunity for discussion due to time, for further content, please view the online module Effective Staff Review and Development: Online Course and the LinkedIn pathway LinkedIn Learning: Staff Review and Development All Staff.
Tue 14	Managing Change [Places] 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room 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.
	Courageous Peer to Peer Conversations [Full] 11:00 - 13:00 N/A - online webinar Great team work and individual working relationships are what we all want, but things don’t always run smoothly. We may find ourselves disagreeing with someone over work or behaviours. We may want to tell them how we feel but don’t quite know how to go about it. Sometimes we decide not to have the conversation at all, which can lead to a small problem escalating in to something bigger, more persistent and harder to resolve. Having honest and open conversations is not always easy and can sometimes lead to a misunderstanding, bad feelings and resentment. On this workshop, using forum theatre with a scenario acted out, we will explore what can go wrong and how to put right. With your interactions, we will help you develop techniques for a constructive conversation that helps to build long-lasting effective relationships and to build trust within the team.
Wed 15	Leadership Essentials (2 of 2) In progress 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for the work, behaviour and development of others. The programme aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area, as well as clarifying key responsibilities of manager and leader. It focuses on critical areas, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations, using leadership styles and models to support individuals and teams. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, case studies, 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.
Tue 21	Recruitment and Selection Skills (1 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 12:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room 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).
	Leadership Briefing Series: Research Funding – Essentials for Heads of Institution [Places] 13:30 - 14:30 N/A - MS Teams 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.
	Recruitment Essentials: Appointing the Right Candidate (Academic Appointments) [Places] 14:00 - 16:00 N/A - MS Teams 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.
Wed 22	Leadership Essentials (1 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for the work, behaviour and development of others. The programme aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area, as well as clarifying key responsibilities of manager and leader. It focuses on critical areas, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations, using leadership styles and models to support individuals and teams. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, case studies, 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.
Thu 23	Springboard: A Women's Development Programme (3 of 4) In progress 09:30 - 15:30 Hughes Hall, Peter Richards Room Springboard is for women staff and graduate students, and those who identify as women, who want to take control, become more assertive, increase their confidence & build themselves a more positive attitude in both their work and home lives. The programme gives you the time to reflect, share and most importantly, set achievable personal and professional goals for now and the future. Key areas covered include communication skills, assertiveness, self confidence, improving your work/life balance and developing positive skills and attitude. If you want to progress and develop, then this programme is for you. The programme comprises four days over a three-month period and a workbook to be completed between sessions.
	Induction for New Managers and Leaders at Cambridge [Places] 09:30 - 12:00 N/A - MS Teams This 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, behavior 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 inclusive working environment. This interactive session will explore the responsibilities of a manager or leader at the University, introduce tools to support the performance of your team, 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
Thu 30	Recruitment and Selection Skills (2 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 12:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room 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).

June 2024

Tue 4	Leadership Briefing Series: Managing the University Estate [Places] 13:30 - 14:30 N/A - MS Teams The Director of Estates Operations will provide an overview of the Estates Division and various initiatives underway to improve the Estate.  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.
Wed 5	Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 and Leadership and Management Level 5 Apprenticeship Webinar [Places] 14:00 - 15:00 N/A - MS Teams This session is an opportunity for you to ask questions and to find out more about the development opportunities that Cambridge is offering you – for both the Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 and the Leadership and Management Level 5. We are looking to explore what interest there is at this current time in both apprenticeships 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. Participants will have the advantage of a peer group to work through the programme with Cambridge University Press and Assessment who are potentially interested in joining in with this. Thanu Mahendra of Corndel, our 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. Programme details of each apprenticeship can be found via the links below: Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3 Leadership and Management Level 5 (Operations or Departmental Manager) There is a minimum of 18-20 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 in September 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, Corndel. Apprenticeship guidance.
Thu 6	Leadership Essentials (2 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for the work, behaviour and development of others. The programme aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area, as well as clarifying key responsibilities of manager and leader. It focuses on critical areas, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations, using leadership styles and models to support individuals and teams. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, case studies, 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.
Thu 13	Professional Services Career Development Programme [Full] 09:30 - 13:00 N/A - MS Teams 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.
	Springboard: A Women's Development Programme (4 of 4) In progress 09:30 - 15:30 Hughes Hall, Peter Richards Room Springboard is for women staff and graduate students, and those who identify as women, who want to take control, become more assertive, increase their confidence & build themselves a more positive attitude in both their work and home lives. The programme gives you the time to reflect, share and most importantly, set achievable personal and professional goals for now and the future. Key areas covered include communication skills, assertiveness, self confidence, improving your work/life balance and developing positive skills and attitude. If you want to progress and develop, then this programme is for you. The programme comprises four days over a three-month period and a workbook to be completed between sessions.
	Leadership Essentials (1 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for the work, behaviour and development of others. The programme aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area, as well as clarifying key responsibilities of manager and leader. It focuses on critical areas, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations, using leadership styles and models to support individuals and teams. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, case studies, 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.
Tue 18	Induction for New Managers and Leaders at Cambridge [Places] 09:30 - 12:00 N/A - MS Teams This 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, behavior 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 inclusive working environment. This interactive session will explore the responsibilities of a manager or leader at the University, introduce tools to support the performance of your team, 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
	Coaching Skills for Managers [Full] 09:30 - 13:00 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room 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.
Wed 19	Leadership Briefing Series: Harnessing Data for Inclusive Excellence - A Focus on Workforce Related Data Driven EDI in Higher Education [Places] 13:30 - 14:30 N/A - MS Teams Ndunge will provide an insight on utilising data-driven approaches to enhance workforce inclusivity through EDI initiatives, fostering an environment of excellence and equality. 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.
Mon 24	Welcome to New Staff [Full] 09:00 - 12:00 Faculty of Music, West Road Concert Hall 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 talk from a colleague about their career journey at the University a presentation on the benefits of being part of the University of Cambridge
Wed 26	Develop your Career: CV Writing and Job Applications [Places] 09:30 - 13:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room This course prepares you to write a CV, job application and covering letter that stands out and makes employers take notice and to undertake a successful job search. You will learn what to include and exclude in your CV, how to choose the right format, how to tailor information to match job requirements, and how to deal with employment gaps, job hopping and/or lack of experience. The course is highly participative, providing an opportunity to share experiences with others, as well as time to practise your skills.
Thu 27	Leadership Essentials (1 of 2) [Full] 09:30 - 14:30 Greenwich House, Edmonton Room Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for the work, behaviour and development of others. The programme aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area, as well as clarifying key responsibilities of manager and leader. It focuses on critical areas, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations, using leadership styles and models to support individuals and teams. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, case studies, 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.
	Digital Apprenticeships Webinar [Places] 14:00 - 15:00 N/A - MS Teams 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. Apprenticeship Guidance A link to the webinar will be sent with the joining instruction when your booking is confirmed.