OD&PL development roundup – November 2024

Welcome to our November 2024 roundup
Explore a roundup of upcoming development opportunities and the latest news from across Organisational Development & Professional Learning (OD&PL). You can also view our full calendar of events and programmes on the Staff Intranet, with new opportunities added regularly, so remember to check back often for the latest additions.
All staff
Introduction to Digital Capabilities & Jisc Discovery Tool
📅 14 November, 10-11am
Join us for an online session to explore the Jisc Discovery Tool and discover how it can support you to enhance your digital capabilities. Available to all colleagues at Leeds, the Jisc Discovery Tool helps you to self-assess your current digital capabilities and identify resources and development opportunities to reach your goals. During the session, we will look in more depth at what we mean by digital capabilities and find out how to access and use the Jisc Discovery Tool for your own self–assessment.
University welcome events for new staff
📅 6 November, 2-3.30pm, 📅 18 December, 9-10.30am
New to Leeds? Sign up for upcoming welcome events for new staff to find out more about the University, meet new colleagues and explore the range of benefits, support and advice available.
Mentor Lunch and Learn Sessions
Register for our upcoming Mentor Lunch and Learn Sessions, designed for mentors to share their learning, expertise and offer peer support. The sessions are open to all mentors and you don’t need to be part of the University-wide mentoring scheme to attend. The events feature mentors from across the University, sharing their experiences and they cover a range of topics.
- 📅 11 November 2024, 12noon-1pm – Mental Wellbeing and Boundaries in Mentoring and Coaching
- 📅 5 December 2024, 1-2pm – Toolkit Carousel: Reframing Tools
Preparing for Mentorship
If you're preparing to become a mentor or mentee, take part in our Preparing for Mentorship Training to get the most out of your mentoring experience. The training is open to all staff and you don't need to be part of the University-Wide Mentoring Scheme to take part. There are two options available for the training, we have Preparing for Mentorship workshops and the Preparing for Mentorship online module.
Careers Workshop for Mentees
📅 4 December, 1.30-4pm (On campus)
Mentees in our University-Wide Mentoring Scheme can sign up for our Careers Workshop for Mentees, designed to help you to build self-awareness and make more informed career choices. In this interactive face-to-face session, you will explore your strengths, values, interests and career development ideas within a supportive peer group of fellow mentees.
Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning
📅 5 December, 10-11am
Sign up for the next Beginner's Guide to LinkedIn Learning event to explore how the platform can enhance your personal and professional development. Our LinkedIn Learning expert will share top tips on using the platform’s many features for maximum impact. Can’t make it? An additional session is available on 20 March. You can also explore LinkedIn Learning further with our tailored guides:
- 📘 Staff Guide to LinkedIn Learning
- 📘 Student Guide to LinkedIn Learning
- 📘 Researcher Guide to LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning | Recommended professional development courses
Explore a new collection of popular professional development courses on LinkedIn Learning. Accessible to all colleagues with your free account, these courses have been curated by colleagues in OD&PL to help you enhance your skills and support your career development.
The collection covers a range of topics: time management, project management, running effective meetings, presentation skills, customer service, CV, job application and interview skills, minute/note taking, wellbeing, developing confidence and developing assertiveness.
Grades 2-5
November monthly development drop-in session for grades 2-5
📅 26 November, 10-12noon (drop-in anytime)
Our next monthly drop-in session at the Wellbeing Hub (formerly the LOGIK Centre) will take place on 26 November between 10am and 12noon.
These drop-in events provide an opportunity to explore learning and development opportunities for colleagues in grades 2-5 roles. Managers and supervisors of staff in these roles are also welcome to attend to find out more about the support available.
These events take place on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except when this falls on a University closed day.
Career Planning First Steps
📅 10 December, 9.30am-12.30pm (On campus)
Sign up for our First Steps session, which provides colleagues in grades 2-5 roles the opportunity to look at where you are in your career, reflect on your achievements, identify any future goals and start to create a career plan for yourself.
Careers Information, Advice and Guidance
⏰ Programme starts on 14 January
Register for the January cohort of our Careers Information, Advice and Guidance programme. This comprehensive programme consists of three modules providing essential career planning and development support. You will learn how to create effective CVs, develop skills profiles, write successful job applications and enhance your interview skills.
Fresh Steps Information Session
📅 10 December, 10 –11am
Register to attend an online information session for staff interested in Fresh Steps, the innovative personal and work development programme for colleagues in grades 2-5 roles. Ask questions about the content and experience how participants work together by engaging in Fresh Steps activities. Line managers are also welcome to attend to hear more about the benefits of the programme for their staff.
Leadership and management
Aurora Programme | Celebrating our 2024 Aurorans!
The University has recently celebrated 114 colleagues who successfully completed the Aurora programme in 2024. The event on campus was a celebration of the achievements of our Aurora participants and provided an opportunity for networking and to hear from a series of guest speakers. Designed and facilitated by Advance HE, Aurora is a leadership development programme for women (including non-binary and transgender colleagues) in grade 6-8 roles.
Maria Stopyra, Organisational Learning Partner in OD&PL and Aurora Champion, said:
“I’m thrilled to celebrate with our Aurorans on completing this year’s programme and hearing everyone’s story. People come out of Aurora more confident in their ideas, and in their ability to advocate for themselves and others. We gain so much as individuals and as a University by unlocking that potential, and I continue to see that realised through the Aurora Alumnae Network.”
Read the full article to find out more about our 2024 Aurorans.
Management Essentials
Join us for our upcoming Management Essentials sessions in November and December. This series covers a variety of topics crucial for new and existing managers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective team management and a clear understanding of their responsibilities.
- 📅 5 November, 10am-12.30pm (Online) – Using psychological perspectives to manage professional relationships
- 📅 6 November, 9.30am-12.30pm (Online) – Introduction to recruitment
- 📅 13 November, 10am-12noon (Online) – Introduction to management
- 📅 14 November, 1.30-2.30pm (Online) – Sustainability and the role of the manager
- 📅 19 November, 11am-12noon (Online) – SRDS reviewer training
- 📅 4 December, 9.30am-12.30pm (Online) – An introduction to difficult conversations
A full list of sessions throughout 2024-25 are available on our Programme & Events Calendar on the Staff Intranet and on our Management Essentials webpages.
Establishing your Leadership Programme
⏰ Two available cohorts, starting in March and April.
Book your place on our next available Establishing your Leadership programme, designed for leaders who are just starting to find their feet in a new leadership role but still feel in transition. The programme features four modules focused on developing your leadership, building team effectiveness, leading across the University and navigating uncertainty. The cohort starting in March will run online, while the cohort starting in April will run on campus.
Connected Leadership | Information Session
📅 26 November, 2-2.30pm (Online)
About the information session: Join us on 26 November to find out more about the Connected Leadership Programme. In this session, you’ll discover the aims of the programme, the different ways to engage with it, the target audience and the enrolment process. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
About the programme: The Connected Leadership Programme is designed for established leaders seeking to explore leadership from the perspective of the individual, the team and the organisation. It emphasises connected, collaborative and values-driven leadership, helping you develop self-awareness, improve strategic thinking and lead and inspire teams more effectively. With a flexible structure that includes the Core Pathway and six Specialist Modules, you can tailor your leadership development to meet your specific needs. The Core Pathway and Specialist Modules run throughout 2024-25.
Leaders Toolkit and Resources
In addition to our range of development programmes, you can also explore our Leaders Toolkit and Resources to learn more about various leadership topics. Topics include: collaboration, communication, decision making, delivering results, developing values-led leadership, developing others, emotional intelligence, leading and managing change, purposeful leadership, remote leadership, resilience and self-awareness.
Researcher development and research culture
Research Culture Café: Open Forum with Professor Luke Windsor
📅 11 December, 10-11am (On campus)
The upcoming Research Culture Café Open Forum provides an opportunity to engage with Professor Luke Windsor, Research Leader and Dean of the Doctoral College. Luke will give a short 10-minute presentation about his roles and then will answer your pre-submitted questions. Refreshments will be available from 9.30am.
You can submit questions in advance of the Open Forum via Padlet around the following topics:
- Opportunities and support for engagement for postdoctoral researchers in PGR supervision.
- Leadership and positive work culture. For example, what you think the key things to consider are in order to create and sustain a positive culture around supervision/management.
Sign up for the Open Forum on 11 December
Celebrating the 10th annual REDS Conference
On 10 October 2024, the University of Leeds hosted the 10th Researcher Education and Development Scholarship (REDS) Conference, founded in 2015 by Dr Kay Guccione. This year, the free online event attracted 645 registrants from across the globe, reflecting its growth into a key international forum for those engaged in scholarship related to researcher education and development.
The theme, ‘Developing Research Leaders Fit for the Future’, featured a keynote speech by Dr Faith Uwadiae titled ‘Actions Speak Louder than Titles’. Her presentation investigated the qualities of effective leadership and how the Wellcome Trust supports these through its funding initiatives. As a Research Culture and Communities Specialist at the Wellcome Trust, Dr Uwadiae focuses on fostering positive and inclusive research cultures through Wellcome’s funding, values and influence.
Looking ahead, the University of Glasgow will host the REDS Conference in 2025. To stay updated on registration details for the next conference, please follow the REDS Conference LinkedIn page.
Quest Programme | Development for postgraduate researchers (PGRs)
Explore these upcoming Quest sessions, as part of our new programme supporting the PGR research journey. These workshops provide opportunities for PGRs to engage in discussions, share insights and learn collaboratively.
- 📅 6 November, 10am-12noon (On campus) – Your viva
- 📅 19 November, 10am-12.30pm (On campus) – Developing good supervisor relationships
- 📅 5 December, 10am-12noon (On campus) – Research culture for PGRs
- 📅 26 November & 5 December, 2-4pm (On campus) – What does Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) mean to me?
Find out more and sign up on the Quest webpage.
BOOST Programme | Career development for researchers
Sign up for these upcoming BOOST events in November and December, supporting researchers in their career development. The programme offers a range of workshops, resources and discussions to help you build the skills and confidence needed to advance your career.
- 📅 5 November, 10am-1pm (On campus) – Managing Upwards
- 📅 13 November, 11.30am-1.30pm (On campus) – Design Thinking (For Your Career)
- 📅 28 November, 10.30am-12.30pm (Online) – Mastering the Art of Academic CVs
- 📅 4 December, 10am-12noon (Online) – Translating Your CV for Other Industries
- 📅 10 December, 10am-12noon (On campus) – Imposter Mindset
- 📅 10 December, 12.30-1.30pm (On campus) – Narrative CV (R4RI) Drop-in
- 📅 16 December, 1-3pm (On campus) – Career Conversations for Research Leaders
Find out more and sign up on the BOOST webpage.
Funding award | Responsible research and innovation (RRI) activities
⏰ Deadline: midnight, 2 December
The RRI Funding Scheme offers up to £500 to support researchers, including postgraduate researchers and staff who support research to organise RRI activities. Aligned with UKRI’s AREA framework, it encourages proposals that anticipate research impacts, promotes deeper reflection of societal relevance, engages diverse stakeholders and enables researchers to act on insights gained.
Policy Engagement Kickstart Programme
⏰ Deadline: midnight, 17 January
There's still time to book your place on the online winter Policy Engagement Kickstart programme before midnight on 17 January. The programme starts from February and is aimed at researchers and research support staff, providing the knowledge and skills to engage with policymakers.
Upcoming White Rose University Consortium webinars
Colleagues are invited to register for two upcoming webinars hosted by the White Rose University Consortium, a strategic partnership between the universities of Leeds, Sheffield, and York:
📅 22 November, 9.30-10.30am (Online) – White Rose Prosper Cohort: Information session
Join Drs Emma Williams and Karen Hinxman for an insightful webinar on the White Rose Prosper Cohort. This unique programme is designed for postdocs ready to take charge of their career development, utilising resources and tools available through the Prosper Portal. Sign up for the information session to explore the programme’s structure, key benefits, and what you can expect. You’ll gain valuable insights into how joining the Prosper Cohort can empower you with the tools and confidence to identify your strengths, set clear career goals, and navigate your career path with purpose. Sign up for the White Rose Prosper Cohort Information Session.
📅 5 December, 9.30-10.30am (Online) – Information session on the Crucible Programme
Join Samantha Aspinall, Head of Interdisciplinary Research Development, Horizon’s Institute, for an engaging webinar on the White Rose Crucible Programme, a distinctive leadership initiative tailored for independently funded fellows and lecturers within three years of their appointment. This programme fosters innovative thinking and working methods, uniting 24 competitively selected future research leaders from the White Rose partner universities (Leeds, Sheffield, and York). In this webinar, Samantha will delve into the programme’s structure, key benefits, and expectations. You’ll gain insights into how the Crucible Programme can enhance your research and career and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Sign up for the White Rose Crucible Programme Information Session.
Student education development
Join our February PGCAP cohort
⏰ Deadline: 5pm, 18 November
The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) supports colleagues to enhance their teaching practice, explore different approaches, connect them to peers and challenge their thinking. It’s also one route available to gain Advance HE Fellowship (FHEA).
▶️ Watch a recording of our recent PGCAP information event
Watch a recording from our PGCAP information event, which took place on 22 October 2024. Hosted by Victoria Taylor, PGCAP Programme Leader from OD&PL, the session explored why participants engage with the PGCAP and the impact it has on enhancing their student education practice.
Leading in Student Education Development
Workshops from our Leading in Student Education Development programme start this month, designed for colleagues in leadership roles within student education. The course is organised into three themes, each comprising a self-directed workbook and a workshop. The upcoming workshops are scheduled as follows:
- 📅 13 November, 10am-12noon (Online) – Understanding the system
- 📅 22 November, 10am-12noon (Online) – Influencing others and building consensus
- 📅 28 November, 10am-12noon (Online) – Creating presence and authenticity in your leadership
Academic personal tutor development opportunities
Explore a series of upcoming events for academic personal tutors:
- 📅 4 November, 9am-1pm (On campus) – Understanding mature students (Delivered by Student Support)
- 📅 8 November, 10-11.30am (Hybrid) – Supporting international students through APT
- 📅 11 November, 9.30am-4.30pm (On campus) – Rapid support for students in distress
- 📅 14 November, 9.30am-4.30pm (On campus) – Mitigating circumstances training (Delivered by Student Support)
- 📅 20 November, 2.15-3.45pm (Hybrid) – Equity in Academic Personal Tutoring
- 📅 21 November, 9.30am-4.30pm (On campus) – Essential skills for supporting students
- 📅 2 December, 2-3pm (Hybrid) – The Plus Programme for APTs
Additionally, APTs at Leeds can access a series of online courses and resources from UKAT (United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring Association). Courses cover topics such as What is Personal Tutoring?, Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations, Listening Effectively, Self-care for Personal Tutors and more.
Build your Scholarship Practice | Reading groups
Book your place on the upcoming reading groups as part of the Build your Scholarship Practice (BYSP) programme. The BYSP programme enables you to develop and share scholarly teaching practices and scholarship projects, informed by Curriculum Redefined.
The reading groups provide a cross-disciplinary forum for exploring the connections between the transformational vision of Curriculum Redefined, the University’s strategic pedagogic themes and the evidence base in educational literature. The next group runs on the following date:
📅 14 November, 3-4pm (Online) – This group will explore the guiding values of genuine staff-student partnerships and developing partnership-led approaches to assessment and feedback. Find out more and sign up for the November BYSP reading group.
You can also sign up for the December reading group, which will run online on 12 December from 3 to 4pm. Details about the focus of this group will be available soon on the Build your Scholarship Practice webpage.
Developing in Teaching
Are you new to teaching? Explore our series of Developing in Teaching sessions, designed to support your growth in specific areas of student education. These sessions are available for colleagues who have completed our online self-paced Foundations in Teaching (FiT) course, which provides essential guidance for those new to the teaching. Upcoming sessions include:
- 📅 14 November, 11am-12.30pm (Online) – Planning and designing teaching sessions
- 📅 5 December, 11am-12.30pm (Online) – Let's talk about delivering your teaching
- 📅 12 December, 10-11.30am (Online) – Assessment and marking
- 📅 7 January, 10-11.30am (Online) – Effective feedback
TIPS Blog | Read the latest blogs
📰 The case for embracing linguistic and cultural diversity in teaching and learning – Written by Niamh Mullen and Milena Marinkova, this blog outlines their project 'Embracing Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Teaching'. Read about their exploration of how cultural and linguistic diversity can impact student education, and what can be done to develop its awareness in learning spaces.
📰 Decolonising the curriculum via student co-creation – Written by Stephanie Wake, Tom Muskett and Richard Harris, this article explores the important topic of decolonising the curriculum. They share how they've collaborated with students to make teaching methods and assessments more inclusive, meaningful and representative of more diverse perspectives.
Submit your idea for the TIPS Blog:
Do you have examples of everyday practice to share, have you considered writing for the TIPS Blog? Please email us at academicdev@leeds.ac.uk if you've got an idea for a blog or would like any more information.
Join the TIPS Community:
Join the TIPS Community on MS Teams to find peer support, advice and ideas for your teaching practice. The community is a collaborative learning space for all teaching-related staff at Leeds.
Got a question?
If you have any questions about our development opportunities or news, please get in touch with us at peopledev@leeds.ac.uk .
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