OD&PL development roundup (3 April 2024)
Explore a roundup of some of the upcoming development opportunities and the latest news from across Organisational Development & Professional Learning (OD&PL). There are lots of new opportunities and some deadlines fast approaching.
You can also view our upcoming events and deadlines for programmes and schemes to see all of our upcoming opportunities – we’re constantly adding new opportunities so keep an eye out for the latest additions.
All staff development
Bidding a fond farewell to remarkable University stalwart
“It’s going to be quite a shock to leave, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved, and I feel I’ve done everything I can to help the University and its staff.”
One of our community’s most highly regarded and best-loved colleagues is preparing to call time on a stellar career at Leeds spanning more than four decades. Read about Jo Westerman’s lasting legacy at the University.
Jisc Discovery Tool introductory events
During the launch of the Jisc Discovery Tool, OD&PL are hosting a series of introductory events to demonstrate how you can get the most from the tool. Currently, there are sessions scheduled on 9 April and 25 April. The Jisc Discovery Tool launched in February and is now available to all colleagues at Leeds, supporting you to understand your digital capabilities and identify development opportunities.
Mentoring at Leeds
- Mentoring scheme applications - Apply to be a mentor or mentee as part of the University-wide mentoring scheme. Available to all colleagues, you can apply throughout the year, with new partnerships set up in May and November. Apply before midnight on 19 April to be included in the May matching process. Mentoring is mutually beneficial and allows colleagues to share knowledge and skills with others, supporting them to achieve their individual objectives.
- Preparing for mentorship - These sessions run throughout the year and will help you get the most out of mentorship. The workshops are available to all staff who are mentors and mentees, and you do not need to be part of the University-wide Mentoring Scheme to sign up for these workshops.
- Lunch and learn sessions - Sign up for upcoming lunch and learn sessions to support mentor development. Hosted by OD&PL, they feature speakers from across the University, sharing their learning and experience of being a mentor. The online events are available to all mentors, and you don’t need to be part of the University-wide Mentoring scheme to sign up.
- 24 April – Insights into reverse mentoring
- 23 May – Mediation and mentoring: supporting mentees to address conflicts positively
- 16 July – Reflective practice workshop
University Welcome Event for New Staff
Book your place at the next virtual welcome event for new staff on 16 April. Find out more about Leeds, meet new colleagues and explore the range of benefits, support and advice available. If you can’t make this event, an additional date is available to book on 20 May.
Grades 2 – 5 development
Career development programmes
New dates are available for our grade 2-5 career development programmes. The First Steps session helps you look at where you are in your career, reflect on your achievements, identify future goals and start career planning. In addition, the Careers Information, Advice and Guidance programme looks at creating effective CVs, skills profiles, job applications and interview skills.
Monthly drop-in sessions
Thank you to everyone who attended our latest grades 2-5 drop-in session on 26 March. Following a relocation to Esther Simpson over the past few months these will return to the Wellbeing Hub (formerly the LOGIK Centre) from 23 April. These monthly drop-in sessions give colleagues a chance to explore learning and development opportunities for colleagues working in roles graded two to five. Colleagues can drop in anytime between 10am and 12noon every fourth Tuesday of the month - unless this falls on a University closed day.
Leadership and management development
Connected Leadership
There’s still time to sign up for the first modules of our new Connected Leadership programme, supporting established leaders at Leeds to develop a connected, collaborative and values-led approach. The programme consists of six modules, each delivered during three online workshops. The modules are values-led leadership, leading change, translating and developing strategy, understanding systems and culture, leading and developing teams, and optimising a coaching leadership style.
Management Essentials sessions in April
We have a number of our Management Essentials sessions running in April, designed for new and existing managers. Sessions equip you with the tools needed to effectively manage a team, as well as understand the processes and responsibilities you have at the University.
- 9 April - SRDS Reviewer Training
- 10 April - Managing Stress and Mental Health
- 17 April - Introduction to Recruitment
- 18 April - Introduction to Management
- 23 April - Supporting Excellence
- 25 April - An introduction to having difficult conversations
Researcher development and research culture
Fellowship Accelerator
Sign up for Fellowship Accelerator, a new OD&PL development programme supporting postdoctoral researchers to develop their ideas for a fellowship application. The programme aims to save you time and effort, providing you with the support, expertise, and guidance you need to develop your idea. Applications are open until midday on 15 April.
Research Culture Cafés
Sign up for the next Research Culture Café on 17 April, running from 11am to 12 noon. The online session aim to promote a positive and inclusive research culture through café-style conversations. This event will look at the themes of a collegiate environment in research and open research. Events running until August are also available to book.
Research Culture Uncovered Podcast
Listen to our latest Research Culture Uncovered podcast episodes. The podcast focuses on our ideas, approaches and learning as we contribute to the University's attempt to create a research culture in which everyone can thrive. The latest episodes include:
- From setback to success: supporting researchers after unsuccessful funding applications with Anna Pilz
- Exploring Grimpact: The Other Side of Research Impact with Gemma Derrick
- From Idea to Application: Supporting Research Fellowship Applicants with Anna Pilz
- Meet the Culturositists: Introducing Taryn Bell and careers
REDS Conference: Developing research leaders fit for the future
Registration and the call for abstracts is now open for the tenth annual Researcher Education and Development Scholarship (REDS) Conference, hosted by the University on 10 October. The free online conference will explore the theme of ‘developing research leaders fit for the future’.
Student education development
Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP)
Congratulations to colleagues who have recently graduated from the PGCAP and been awarded Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA). The PGCAP allows you to explore different pedagogical approaches, reflect on and develop your practice and complete a research project to enhance your ongoing academic practice. You can now apply for the September 2024 PGCAP cohort and attend an online event to find out more about the PGCAP on Thursday 2 May from 12noon to 1pm.
Leading in Student Education
Sign up for upcoming sessions on our Leading in Student Education programme. The course is built around three themes – understanding your role within the wider landscape, influencing others and building consensus, and creating presence and authenticity in your leadership. Sessions are currently available to book in May and June.
Teaching and Scholarship Culture Cafés
Sign up for the next Teaching and Scholarship Culture Café on 18 April, 2-3pm. This new series of online sessions are hosted by OD&PL and are part of ongoing work to promote a fully supportive institutional culture that rewards and recognises good practice in education. Contribute to a discussion and share your ideas about a positive teaching and scholarship culture at the next online event.
Build your Scholarship Practice Programme
Sign up for upcoming themed SoTL development workshops and reading group sessions as part of the Build your Scholarship Practice Programme. Reading group sessions are available on 30 April (4-5pm) and 21 May (2-3pm) and upcoming workshops take place on the following dates:
- Developing ethical SoTL projects – 15 April, 3–4pm
- Methodologies for centring student voices – 22 April, 3–4pm
- The Peer Review –13 May, 3–4pm
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