Last few places : Skills Gym – ‘Working with Others’

Dear Colleague

We would like to invite you to participate in our latest Skills Gym called ‘Working with Others’. This is the first of two half day Skills Gyms that have been developed to look at understanding those we work with, both customers and colleagues, to enable us to understand the issues and effectively resolve difficult situations. This Skills Gym will involve a half day training session which will look to develop key life skills that you will be able to put into practice in your work environment.

This first session will look at how our perceptions become our reality, how we react to the needs of others, using questioning and listening skills to understand rather than judge. You will look at how to establish the best approaches, verbally and non-verbally and stay professional under pressure.

Sally Booth (from Juno Learning & Development) runs this ‘Working with Others’ Skills Gym. Sally is passionate about building confidence and skills in others that help enhance their performance at work. Her enthusiastic approach looks at the drivers of behaviours and finding an approach that works for individuals, moving you from understanding to actual practice.

The half-day sessions will take place on Tuesday June 27 and Wednesday 28 June with exact details around the time and location available on Workshop Bookings.

Kind regards

Training and Development Team

 

 

Staff Development Opportunities

Below is a list of our Staff Development opportunities currently available to staff, places can be booked through the Staff Development  portal. Any queries please contact the Training and Development team (training@worc.ac.uk).

Appraisee Skills

It is recommended that all members of staff attend a briefing to prepare for their review meeting. This practical session will help you to get the best results from your appraisal. You will develop a clear understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and the part that it can play in personal development planning as well as becoming familiar with the University’s appraisal Scheme. If you prefer, a session can be tailored for specific teams. Contact Rachael Stephens to arrange a date and time to suit you.

• 19-06-2017 09:00 – 12:00

Appraiser skills

A practical session, which is a pre-requisite for members of staff who appraise others. The session aims are to develop an understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and links with other university processes. We will also explore the skills and techniques that help to make the process effective, and become familiar with the University’s appraisal scheme and procedures and prepare for an appraisal meeting.

• 19-06-2017 13:15 – 16:15

Project Management Training

Brief overview of project management techniques and methodologies

• 28-06-2017 10:00 – 11:00

Skills Gyms Difficult Conversations for Support Staff

Holding difficult conversations can be daunting. They can be with colleagues, external people or senior managers. They can just happen or you can have time to prepare. Whatever the situation this course will help you with a strategy to find the behaviours and words to communicate effectively. The strategy used is a Call to ACTION. The 6 facets of ACTION are introduced during the seminar and each one discussed as to how they can help in conducting difficult conversations effectively

• 22-06-2017 09:15 – 12:45

Skills Gyms – Working with others (part 1)

Sally Booth is a highly experienced trainer who is passionate about building confidence and skill in others to help enhance their performance at work. Her personal satisfaction comes from enabling people to increase their personal impact and to encourage influential team and individual communication. This Skills Gym will look at understanding those we work with, both customers and colleagues, to enable us to understand the issues and effectively resolve difficult situations. This session will look at how our perceptions become our reality, how we react to the needs of others, using questioning and listening skills to understand rather than judge. You will look at how to establish the best approaches, verbally and non-verbally and stay professional under pressure.

• 27-06-2017 09:00 – 12:30
• 27-06-2017 13:00 – 16:30
• 28-06-2017 13:00 – 16:30

Staff development Workshop – Supporting students with disabilities and reasonable adjustments for placement and work based learning experiences

Forthcoming Staff development Workshop:

Title of Session: Placement and Work-based Learning Special Interest Group (SIG) – Supporting students with disabilities and reasonable adjustments for placement and work based learning experiences.

Date and Time:                 Wednesday 5 July 2017 12:15-14:00

Venue:                                 City Campus – Charles Hastings Building CH 2008

Places:                                  Max 35 places

Students with disabilities have a general entitlement to the provision of educational opportunities in a manner that meets their individual requirements, including placements and WBL experiences. The new University policy for the ‘Management of Placement and Work-Based Learning (WBL)’ makes reference to the responsibilities and some overlapping duties of both the employer/placement provider and the University (and its collaborative partners) to disabled students on placement. This includes ensuring students are not disadvantaged in finding a placement, or whilst on a placement, and that students are given an early opportunity to disclose a disability in order that placement providers can make appropriate reasonable adjustments to support them whilst on placements or WBL experiences. ASET (The Work Based and Placement Learning Association) recently published a ‘Good Practice Guide for Supporting Students with Disabilities on Placement’ (ASET, September 2016).

This session is the second in the series of the Special Interest Group for Placement and Work-Based Learning (WBL) and will be facilitated by Patrick Clarke (Specialist Learning Support Service Manager, Student Services) and Nuala Robinson (Disability Adviser, Student Services). The focus will be on the relative responsibilities for meeting the needs of disabled students in placement, guidance for planning and considering appropriate reasonable adjustment for disabled students and to share effective practice and gather case studies/examples of ‘what works’, with a view to updating the University’s ‘Guidance for staff in managing work placements for disabled students. Accessible high quality placements and work based learning for all students’ (2011).

The main aims of the Placement/WBL SIG are to support staff in the implementation of the University policy and to facilitate a community of practice where we can share experiences and current good practice and find solutions to some of the challenges in managing a variety of placement experiences. All staff with an interest in placement/WBL (including registered lecturers from partner organisations) are welcome.

Contacts: Sue Cuthbert
Email: s.cuthbert@worc.ac.uk

Technology Workshops for Staff

With much of this year’s teaching now over, you may be thinking ahead and planning for the next academic year. With that in mind we have arranged a series of workshops throughout June to help you develop your use of technology for learning and teaching.

You can sign up for these on the staff development booking system.

If you would like to arrange some bespoke training for your course team we’d be happy to work with you to provide TEL training to suit your needs. Please contact Libby Symonds at e.symonds@worc.ac.uk.

Blackboard Quizzes and Surveys – 7/6/17 – 10.15 – 11.45 – EE1022

There are 17 different question types ranging from multiple choice to hot-spots to calculated questions in Blackboard. These can be included in formative, summative or anonymous tests and surveys to gain student feedback, guage understanding and ultimately, assess student performance. This workshop will give you a hands-on session in setting up, deploying and reviewing quizzes and surveys in Blackboard.

Tracking Student Engagement in Blackboard – 14/6/17 – 10.15 – 11.45 – EE1022

Student engagement and progression is key to their success and the retention centre and performance dashboard are tools in Blackboard which can help you monitor your students’ activity within your Blackboard.

In this workshop we will look at setting up rules for reporting lack of engagement and/or achievement and discuss strategies for re-engaging students and promoting active learning.

Blackboard Made Simple – 21/6/17 – 9.30 – 11.00 – EE1101

This workshop will cover the basics of using the Blackboard system from requesting access to modules to changing the basic template and uploading content in various forms. It will also provide participants with advice on effective design to support student learning. Aimed at users who are new to the system or who need a refresher.

Camtasia – 28/6/17 – 9.45 – 11.45 – EE1022

Camtasia is a piece of software that can be used to produce videos, screencasts and interactive learning objects. This tool is easy to use and can produce really professional looking materials which you can make available to your students through the VLE and can support a flipped classroom type approach to teaching and learning.

This workshop will cover the basics of using Camtasia and provide hands on practice in the use of the software.

For more information please contact:

Elizabeth Symonds
Team Leader Learning and Teaching Technology Unit
University Learning and Teaching Fellow
University of Worcester
Tel: 01905 857507

Sim-University

Want to try your hand at turning a struggling university into a successful, thriving organisation?

The Leadership Development Group offers you the chance to do just this, using a sophisticated computer-based university simulation (SimUni). The session is ideal for gaining a greater understanding of the complexities of an HE institution and provides the chance to work together in cross-University groups to determine priorities, manage resources and, ultimately, achieve strategic success. Above all else, this is a genuinely fun and fascinating opportunity to work with others!

The session will be held on 10 May, 10.30-16.00 in Jenny Lind, JL1005. Lunch and refreshments are included. Given the nature of the activity, places are limited so please book early.

Bookings can be made via the UW Staff Development Booking System. Just search for Sim University.

 

This week’s recommended courses on Lynda.com

This week’s recommended courses on Lynda.com are:
Communication Tips

Leading Productive Meetings

Excel 2013 Essential Training

Note Taking for Business Professionals

Monday Productivity Pointers

Excel 2016 Essential Training

Staff development opportunities

Please see below a list of our current staff development opportunities

Appraisee Skills

It is recommended that all members of staff attend a briefing to prepare for their review meeting. This practical session will help you to get the best results from your appraisal. You will develop a clear understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and the part that it can play in personal development planning as well as becoming familiar with the University’s appraisal Scheme. If you prefer, a session can be tailored for specific teams. Contact Rachael Stephens to arrange a date and time to suit you.

• 24-05-2017 13:15 – 16:15  CC008
• 19-06-2017 09:00 – 12:00 JLG008

Appraiser skills

A practical session which is a pre-requisite for members of staff who appraise others. The session aims are to develop an understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and links with other university processes. We will also explore the skills and techniques that help to make the process effective, and become familiar with the University’s appraisal scheme and procedures and prepare for an appraisal meeting.

• 24-05-2017 09:00 – 12:00 CC008
• 19-06-2017 13:15 – 16:15 JLG008

Becoming a Mentor

Mentoring has been recognised as an important activity that helps to support people who are new to the University, moving into a new role or returning from a period of absence. We welcome mentors from all parts of the University, working part time and full time. This workshop will explain the role, the process of mentoring, and consider some of the skills required. Attending this workshop is necessary before taking on the role of mentor.

• 24-04-2017 09:30 – 11:30 CC008
• 12-06-2017 10:00 – 12:00 EEG024

Difficult Conversations for Support Staff

Holding difficult conversations can be daunting. They can be with colleagues, external people or senior managers. They can just happen or you can have time to prepare. Whatever the situation this course will help you with a strategy to find the behaviours and words to communicate effectively. The strategy used is a Call to ACTION. The 6 facets of ACTION are introduced during the seminar and each one discussed as to how they can help in conducting difficult conversations effectively.

• 18-05-2017 09:15 – 12:45 JLG010
• 22-06-2017 09:15 – 12:45 EE1100

Managing Performance

This workshop looks at how you as a manager can create an environment where staff can excel. It covers developing a performance culture, performance management and delivering a wider performance

• 11-04-2017 10:00 – 13:00 EEG021

Media Training

Media Training workshops are aimed at those members of staff who are likely to be engaged in media interviews through their academic expertise or research. It is designed to give you more confidence in dealing with the media with useful tips and guidance in handling interviews as well as a chance to practice in a safe environment. Participants will be required to take part in mock interviews and engage in discussion about what makes a good or bad interview. The workshop is delivered by the University Senior Press Officer and experienced journalist, Sally Jones.

• 03-05-2017 09:00 – 13:00 CC008

Pensions for Support Staff

If you are in the Local Government Pension Scheme you’ll know that there is something in the press or on the news every other day. Come along to find out the truth and scotch any rumours you might have heard

• 04-05-2017 11:00 – 12:00 EEG027

Project Management Training

Brief overview of project management techniques and methodologies

• 28-06-2017 10:00 – 11:00 WB137

Skills Gym – Absence Management

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations. This forms part of a wider programme designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform as leaders and managers. This half day session will support the University policy on sickness absence while helping line managers to continue to develop the essential skills of: difficult conversations fact finding directive counselling assertion/transactional analysis skills This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations (through the use of Actors) of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing sickness absence and related issues. The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, where they feel legislation is more ambiguous, include managing a sickness issue with an individual who has a protected characteristic

• 25-05-2017 09:00 – 12:00 JLG008
• 25-05-2017 13:15 – 16:15 JLG008

Skills Gym – Discipline and Grievance

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations, specifically about discipline and grievance which can be daunting. Not only is the range of disciplinary issues very large and varied the issues surrounding the reason why it has occurred can be very emotional at a variety of levels. When considering grievance issues there can be a multitude of factors that the employees brings to the conversation. This half day session will link to the University policy on discipline and grievance while introducing the use of a strategy based on the ACTION model to give a framework to any difficult conversation. The session will look to develop the verbal and nonverbal skills required to know how to talk assertively and appropriately, bearing in mind the sensitivities that a disciplinary or grievance interview can bring. A major focus of the session is based on the aim of the meeting, as this is often where individuals go wrong. This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing discipline and grievance related issues. The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, including two written case study scenarios.

• 07-06-2017 09:15 – 12:45 EE1100

Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS)

This presentation by FACE will address any questions you may have regarding your pension scheme. The presentation will cover: 1. Reminder of present scheme arrangements and how they work 2. Confirmation of the proposed changes (who is and who is not affected) 3. When the changes kick-in 4. Early Retirement options 5. Ways to improve your pension at retirement

• 27-04-2017 12:30 – 13:30 CH2006

Places can be booked through our staff development pages or by contacting Rachael Stephens, Training Administrator either on 01905 54 2290 or r.stephens@worc.ac.uk

Staff Development courses

Please see attached for current staff development courses:

Current staff development courses

Staff Development Workshops

Skills Gym – Absence Management

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations. This forms part of a wider programme designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform as leaders and managers. This half day session will support the University policy on sickness absence while helping line managers to continue to develop the essential skills of: difficult conversations, fact finding, directive counselling, assertion/transactional analysis skills. This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations (through the use of Actors) of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing sickness absence and related issues. The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, where they feel legislation is more ambiguous, include managing a sickness issue with an individual who has a protected characteristic.

• 25-05-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – JLG008
• 25-05-2017 13.15 – 16.15 – JLG008

Media Training

Media Training workshops are aimed at those members of staff who are likely to be engaged in media interviews through their academic expertise or research. It is designed to give you more confidence in dealing with the media with useful tips and guidance in handling interviews as well as a chance to practice in a safe environment. Participants will be required to take part in mock interviews and engage in discussion about what makes a good or bad interview. The workshop is delivered by the University Senior Press Officer and experienced journalist, Sally Jones.

• 03-05-2017 09:00 – 13:00 – CC008

Minute-Taking & Servicing Meetings

Work effectively with your chair, construct an agenda, take notes of committee/meeting discussions and produce quality minutes.

• 16-05-2017 09:30 – 16:30 – EEG169

Project Management Training

Brief overview of project management techniques and methodologies

• 28-06-2017 10:00 – 11:00 – WB137

Managing Performance

This workshop looks at how you as a manager can create an environment where staff can excel. It covers developing a performance culture, performance management and delivering a wider performance.

• 11-04-2017 10:00 – 13:00 EEG021

For a full list of the current staff development courses and to book onto any of the above please go to the staff development pages.

Please contact Rachael Stephens, Training Administrator on 01905 54 2290 or email r.stephens@worc.ac.uk for any queries you have.

Newly advertised staff development courses

Media Training

Media Training workshops are aimed at those members of staff who are likely to be engaged in media interviews through their academic expertise or research. It is designed to give you more confidence in dealing with the media with useful tips and guidance in handling interviews as well as a chance to practice in a safe environment. Participants will be required to take part in mock interviews and engage in discussion about what makes a good or bad interview. The workshop is delivered by the University Senior Press Officer and experienced journalist, Sally Jones

• 3 May 09:00 – 13:00

Minute-Taking & Servicing Meetings

Work effectively with your chair, construct an agenda, take notes of committee/meeting discussions and produce quality minutes

• 16 May 09:30 – 16:30

If you would like to book onto these courses please book through the Staff Development Pages or contact Rachael Stephens on 01905 54 2290 or email r.stephens@worc.ac.uk

New training workshops just launched – project management and media training

The training and Development team have recently launched two new workshops (see below) please login through the Staff Development page to sign up or click onto the hyperlink.

Project Management Training

The workshop will be a brief overview of project management techniques and methodologies.

• 01.03.2017 – 11.00 – 12.00

Media Training

The workshops are aimed at those members of staff who are likely to be engaged in media interviews through their academic expertise or research. It is designed to give you more confidence in dealing with the media with useful tips and guidance in handling interviews as well as a chance to practice in a safe environment. Participants will be required to take part in mock interviews and engage in discussion about what makes a good or bad interview. The workshop is delivered by the University’s Senior Press Officer and experienced journalist, Sally Jones.

• 09-03-2017 09:00 – 13:00
• 03-05-2017 09:00 – 13:00

 

Mapping Learning Outcomes and Setting Standards: a practical workshop for staff writing new courses or reviewing and updating existing courses

This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to engage with what is expected in mapping of course level learning outcomes to modules and awards. It will explore what is involved in writing learning outcomes at the right standard, how this relates to the development of modules and assessment strategies and how to document this. Participants are asked to bring with them the (draft) learning outcomes for a course they are currently working on (whether for approval or periodic review) or an award with which they are familiar.

Dates and times of the Workshops are listed below.

–          Thursday 16 February: 3:00 – 4:30  (City Campus Room MH 1004)

–          Monday 20 February: 12:30 – 2:00  (St John’s Campus Room EEG 169)

–          Thursday 23 February: 13:00 – 2:30  (St John’s Campus Room BY 1148)

Please contact Jennifer Zandbeek j.zandbeek@worc.ac.uk or Margaret Chaffey m.chaffey@worc.ac.uk if you have any queries regarding these workshops.

To book yourself onto any staff development workshops please now use the staff portal to log into your staff page and book events through the staff development workshops link (under ‘Your online services’).

 

Upcoming Staff Development Courses 2016/2017

Appraisee Skills Training

This practical session will help you to get the best results from your appraisal. You will develop a clear understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and the part that it can play in personal development planning as well as becoming familiar with the University’s appraisal Scheme. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 15-03-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus
• 10-05-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 19-06-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus

Appraiser skills Training

A practical session, which is a pre-requisite for members of staff who appraise others. The session aims are to develop an understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and links with other university processes. We will also explore the skills and techniques that help to make the process effective, and become familiar with the University’s appraisal scheme and procedures and prepare for an appraisal meeting. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 15-03-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus
• 10-05-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 19-06-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus

Becoming a Mentor

Mentoring has been recognised as an important activity that helps to support people who are new to the University, moving into a new role or returning from a period of absence. We welcome mentors from all parts of the University, working part time and full time. This workshop will explain the role, the process of mentoring, and consider some of the skills required. Attending this workshop is necessary before taking on the role of mentor. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 13-02-2017 13:00 – 15:00 – City Campus
• 24-04-2017 09:30 – 11:30 – St Johns Campus
• 12-06-2017 10:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus

Skills Gyms Absence Management and Discipline and Grievance New Sessions Added

Skills Gym – Absence Management

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations. This forms part of a wider programme designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform as leaders and managers.

This half day session will support the University policy on sickness absence while helping line managers to continue to develop the essential skills of: difficult conversations fact finding directive counselling assertion/transactional analysis skills This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations (through the use of Actors) of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing sickness absence and related issues.

The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, where they feel legislation is more ambiguous, include managing a sickness issue with an individual who has a protected characteristic. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 17-02-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 17-02-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 01-03-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus
• 01-03-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus

Skills Gym – Discipline and Grievance

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations, specifically about discipline and grievance which can be daunting. Not only is the range of disciplinary issues very large and varied the issues surrounding the reason why it has occurred can be very emotional at a variety of levels. When considering grievance issues there can be a multitude of factors that the employees brings to the conversation.

This half day session will link to the University policy on discipline and grievance while introducing the use of a strategy based on the ACTION model to give a framework to any difficult conversation. The session will look to develop the verbal and nonverbal skills required to know how to talk assertively and appropriately, bearing in mind the sensitivities that a disciplinary or grievance interview can bring. A major focus of the session is based on the aim of the meeting, as this is often where individuals go wrong.

This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing discipline and grievance related issues. The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, including two written case study scenarios. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 28-02-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 28-02-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus

Lynda.com – The recommended courses

Please find below some of the most popular and recommended course to try;

• Mindfulness by John Ullmen
• Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text by Suzanna Kaye
• Effective Listening by Tatiana Kolovou and Brenda Bailey-Hughes
• Excel 2013 Essential Training by Dennis Taylor
• Communication Fundamentals by John Ullmen

Course Leaders Network sessions

One of the issues to emerge from phase 1 of the Course Leader Project was the recognition that opportunities for course leaders to formally share ideas and network with colleagues from other institutes tended to be limited. While most institutes already have in place their own Course Leader Forum, there is, as yet, no institutional mechanism for formally bringing the University’s course leaders together. It is therefore proposed to establish University-wide Course Leader Network.

When will it start and how often will it take place?

It will be launched in February 2017 and will run, in the first instance once a month – at least until June. A decision will be taken, in conjunction with course leaders about the frequency of sessions for 2017/18

What will happen in the sessions?

The content of the sessions is informed by the priorities identified in the first phase of the project (work streams and survey), but there are also plans to include some element of externality as well as proven, internal examples of good practice (along the lines of the Share and Inspire Seminar Series)

Who will lead the sessions?

The sessions will be delivered by members of the Course Leaders Project Team

How long will a session last?

In total 90 minutes. There will always be a focus for each session, which will typically involve a short presentation. There will also be a good chunk of time set aside for questions and networking.

Programme

Marketing, Recruitment and Communication
(Session lead by Suzanne Lawson and Helen Scott)
Wednesday 8th February 2017, 12:30 – 14:00
St John’s Campus, HBG001

Using Data to Enhance your Course
(Session lead by Carolyn Nisbet and Andrea Faull-Brown)
Wednesday 29th March 2017, 13:00 – 14:30
St John’s Campus, EEG021

ASUs and Course Leaders Working Together
(Session lead by Will Bowen-Jones and Donna Obrey)
Wednesday 26th April 2017, 14:15 – 15:45
St John’s Campus, BY1147

The Course Leader Tool Kit
(Session lead by Helen Scott and Joy Garfield)
Wednesday 3rd May 2017, 13:00 – 14:30
St John’s Campus, PNG009

The Course Leader Role Descriptor/Reward and Recognition
(Session lead by Will Bowen-Jones)
Monday 19th June 2017, 14:15 – 15:45
St John’s Campus, EEG02

To book your place on any of the above courses please click the following link, and select “Academic Development” from the dropdown menu:

https://ext-webapp-01.worc.ac.uk/cgi-bin/university/booking_v2.pl

Tea/coffee and cake will be provided!

 

Workshop for staff writing new courses or reviewing and updating existing courses

Mapping Learning Outcomes and Setting Standards: a practical workshop for staff writing new courses or reviewing and updating existing courses

This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to engage with what is expected in mapping of course level learning outcomes to modules and awards. It will explore what is involved in writing learning outcomes at the right standard, how this relates to the development of modules and assessment strategies and how to document this. Participants are asked to bring with them the (draft) learning outcomes for a course they are currently working on (whether for approval or periodic review) or an award with which they are familiar.

Dates and times of the Workshops are listed below.

• Thursday 16 February: 3:00 – 4:30   (City Campus Room MH 1004)
• Monday 20 February: 12:30 – 2:00  (St John’s Campus Room EEG 169)
• Thursday 23 February: 13:00 – 2:30  (St John’s Campus Room BY 1148)

Please contact Jennifer Zandbeek j.zandbeek@worc.ac.uk or Margaret Chaffey m.chaffey@worc.ac.uk if you have any queries regarding these workshops.

To book yourself onto any staff development workshops please now use staff portal to log into your staff page and book events through the staff development workshops link (under ‘Your online services’).

Lynda.com – This week’s recommended courses

Lynda.com – This week recommended courses

Please find below this week’s selection of some of the most popular and recommended course to try;

• Mindfulness by John Ullmen
• Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text by Suzanna Kaye
• Effective Listening by Tatiana Kolovou and Brenda Bailey-Hughes
• Excel 2013 Essential Training by Dennis Taylor
• Communication Fundamentals by John Ullmen

Skills Gym

Skills Gyms Absence Management and Discipline and Grievance New Sessions Added

Skills Gym – Absence Management

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations. This forms part of a wider programme designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform as leaders and managers.

This half day session will support the University policy on sickness absence while helping line managers to continue to develop the essential skills of: difficult conversations fact finding directive counselling assertion/transactional analysis skills This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations (through the use of Actors) of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing sickness absence and related issues.

The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, where they feel legislation is more ambiguous, include managing a sickness issue with an individual who has a protected characteristic. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 17-02-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 17-02-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 01-03-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus
• 01-03-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus

Skills Gym – Discipline and Grievance

This Skills Gym is aimed at leaders and line managers developing core skills around difficult conversations, specifically about discipline and grievance which can be daunting. Not only is the range of disciplinary issues very large and varied the issues surrounding the reason why it has occurred can be very emotional at a variety of levels. When considering grievance issues there can be a multitude of factors that the employees brings to the conversation.

This half day session will link to the University policy on discipline and grievance while introducing the use of a strategy based on the ACTION model to give a framework to any difficult conversation. The session will look to develop the verbal and nonverbal skills required to know how to talk assertively and appropriately, bearing in mind the sensitivities that a disciplinary or grievance interview can bring. A major focus of the session is based on the aim of the meeting, as this is often where individuals go wrong.

This Skills Gym will provide practical and engaging demonstrations of the different skills that would be employed by line managers in addressing discipline and grievance related issues. The skills gym will also explore more complex issues that managers are uncomfortable addressing, including two written case study scenarios. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 23-01-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 23-01-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 28-02-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 28-02-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus

Upcoming Staff Development Courses

Upcoming Staff Development Courses

Appraisee Skills Training

This practical session will help you to get the best results from your appraisal. You will develop a clear understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and the part that it can play in personal development planning as well as becoming familiar with the University’s appraisal Scheme. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 12-01-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 15-03-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus
• 10-05-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – St Johns Campus
• 19-06-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – City Campus

Appraiser skills Training

A practical session which is a pre-requisite for members of staff who appraise others. The session aims are to develop an understanding of the nature of appraisal, its objectives and links with other university processes. We will also explore the skills and techniques that help to make the process effective, and become familiar with the University’s appraisal scheme and procedures and prepare for an appraisal meeting. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 12-01-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 15-03-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus
• 10-05-2017 09:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus
• 19-06-2017 13:15 – 16:15 – City Campus

Becoming a Mentor

Mentoring has been recognised as an important activity that helps to support people who are new to the University, moving into a new role or returning from a period of absence. We welcome mentors from all parts of the University, working part time and full time. This workshop will explain the role, the process of mentoring, and consider some of the skills required. Attending this workshop is necessary before taking on the role of mentor. The sessions that are currently available are;

• 13-02-2017 13:00 – 15:00 – City Campus
• 24-04-2017 09:30 – 11:30 – St Johns Campus
• 12-06-2017 10:00 – 12:00 – St Johns Campus

Most Popular Courses on Lynda.com

Business Etiquette: Phone, Email, and Text

Do you use Phone, email, or text? Learn what communication method to use when. It also includes everything from setting up signatures to striking the right tone how to best use auto responders, acknowledge receipt of an email, and follow up on unanswered email.

Please click on the link below to redirect you to the course https://www.lynda.com/Clear-tutorials/Business-Etiquette-Phone-Email-Text/365216-2.html

Communicating with Confidence

Nervous about speaking in public? This course will focus how to gain that effective oral communication skill, by using simple communication tools and strategies.  

Please click on the link below to redirect you to the course

https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Communicating-Confidence/359601-2.html

Communication Fundamentals

Effective communication is more than what you say. Make your message more impactful, and get the results you want in work and life.

Please click on the link below to redirect you to the course

https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Communication-Fundamentals/141501-2.html

Becoming an External Examiner – staff development workshop

This staff development workshop is for academics considering becoming an external examiner for the first time.

The role of an external examiner is multi-faceted and enables an academic engaging in this work an opportunity to influence the quality of the student experience, not only in the institution in which you officiate but also within your own context. The session will consider the policy context of external examining, the role and expectations placed upon external examiners and how to find external examiner vacancies.

Bookings should be made via the staff development workshops webpages.

Date & time	Venue
14-12-2016 12:30 – 14:30	SJC