PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

Always feel you are behind schedule and under pressure? Are you tired of working long hours? Not enough time in the day? It can be tough being a researcher these days dealing with the pressures to publish, meet research deadlines and apply for funding – to name a few! To be successful you need to be good at managing your time and this is why this course is essential.

This is a very practical course designed specifically for researchers. It covers the breadth of time management issues including prioritising, beating procrastination, effective planning and scheduling, dealing with distractions and changing bad habits. Be prepared to participate fully in workshop activities, attend ALL three sessions and undertake some work between sessions (minimum 2 hours) to put into practice what you learn.

Working in a group of no more than four you will practise lecture delivery and receive constructive feedback. You may choose to have your lecture videoed. You will be encouraged to identify your strengths as well as areas for improvement. This is a valuable opportunity to consider your approach to lecturing and discuss any concerns you may have in a developmental setting.

Listening, communicating and supporting effectively are vital skills for many roles throughout the University. However, they are often areas in which individuals feel under-skilled and inexperienced. This series of four sessions has been designed to increase knowledge, ability and confidence in these key areas. Learning will be through theoretical and experiential input, small and large group participation.

What is the University for? Who makes the rules? How does the collegiate system work? Come and find out the answers to these and many more key questions at these entertaining and informative lunchtime sessions. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your questions to expert speakers.

Why Does Everything Take So Long? – Dr Don MacDonald, Director of Medical & Veterinary Education, Vice-President of Wolfson College
How does Cambridge change? Troubleshooting. Do we want change? What sort of change? Resistance and delay; Cambridge types.

This course will consider the academic needs of students with Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia), in a range of teaching environments and increase your awareness of what Specific Learning Difficulties are. It will help you to reflect on your responsibilities in terms of teaching and learning to these students within the Equality Act 2010. Most importantly it will give practical advice about best practice to ensure an effective learning environment for all involved.

This programme develops a range of management skills and is externally accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). It is highly participative and there is a strong emphasis on applying new learning to your work situation for the benefit of your team and your department.

Does your role include handling personal information? If so then this course will provide you with essential information as it looks at the key requirements of the Data Protection Act. During this course you will develop an understanding of the rights and obligations that the Act covers. You will also have a valuable opportunity to ask questions about data protection and personal data.

If you are new to supervising graduate students at Cambridge (studying both for one-year courses or PhDs) the Board of Graduate Studies strongly recommends you to take part in some form of professional development. In collaboration with BGS, the Centre for Personal and Professional Development offers training and support for newly-appointed supervisors of graduate students and for those new to the Cambridge system. The workshops, which run over lunchtime, are designed to consider reciprocal expectations and duties, as well as approaches to supervising, and to raise awareness of possible issues and where to go for support.

This is a brown-bag workshop - please bring your lunch!

This interactive course will give an introduction to sign language and an opportunity to review and revisit best practice in communicating with Deaf people. Through discussion and practice, participants will gain knowledge of sign language, as well as advice on how to take it further.

In the workplace there will be occasions when people feel that they have been bullied, harassed or subjected to inappropriate behaviour. This is a practical and important interactive session which is designed to provide clarity and guidance on the University’s Dignity at Work policy and procedures. It will explain the legal framework, and will clarify options and practical measures open to you to help you address Dignity at Work problems if they arise.

If you are new to supervising graduate students at Cambridge (studying both for one-year courses or PhDs) the Board of Graduate Studies strongly recommends you to take part in some form of professional development. In collaboration with BGS, the Centre for Personal and Professional Development offers training and support for newly-appointed supervisors of graduate students and for those new to the Cambridge system. The workshops, which run over lunchtime, are designed to consider reciprocal expectations and duties, as well as approaches to supervising, and to raise awareness of possible issues and where to go for support.

This is a brown-bag workshop - please bring your lunch!

Do you have a story you want to share with a wider audience? Are you about to publish research? Does the work that you do require you to answer questions from the press? If so, then this course will help you to prepare for any media interest. It will cover what makes a journalist tick, how to avoid pitfalls and most importantly how to get your message across.

If you occasionally suffer from vocal strain or wish to discover your true vocal range and power then this course is for you. We will work together to improve your vocal projection using vocal techniques practised by actors by using various physical and vocal exercises in a relaxed atmosphere. Be prepared to relax, kick off your shoes and lie on the floor.

This course will introduce the University’s identity guidelines and templates, and help you become confident in using them. The best practice in communications will also be introduced to ensure you are communicating effectively.

Researchers on fixed-term and open-ended contracts are one of the largest staff groups in Cambridge, and face distinctive challenges both in orientating themselves within the University and in developing their careers. Whether a first-time postdoc or on your first research contract in Cambridge, the New Research Staff Welcome will provide invaluable information on how to navigate life as a researcher here. The induction will be informal, with a buffet lunch provided. As well as an official welcome, there will be a brief presentation on essential information relating to research contracts and a few short introductions from colleagues whose principal role is to support the University’s research staff. These will be followed by an exhibition, which will give you the opportunity to explore the full range of support and career development opportunities that are available to you during your time here.

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

A series of workshops on different topics, each aimed at increasing knowledge and skills in key areas relevant to achieving and maintaining health and well-being both at work and in life in general. All workshops will be facilitated by the Staff Counselling team and held at the Counselling Service.

On occasions there may be some overlap in areas covered in the different workshops. This is to be expected and the focus of such issues will always be in the light of the specific workshop topic.

Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation are the practice of bringing ourselves more fully into the present moment in a purposeful, non-judgemental, gentle way. By doing this we provide ourselves with the opportunity to notice our experiencing in the moment and alter, if we choose, our responses and the effect that the experience is having on us.

Participants will be able to practice mindful and meditative exercises which can be developed and continued outside of the workshops. Background to the purpose of each exercise and time for general discussion will also be included. Please bring something to lie on.

Always feel you are behind schedule and under pressure? Are you tired of working long hours? Not enough time in the day? It can be tough being a researcher these days dealing with the pressures to publish, meet research deadlines and apply for funding – to name a few! To be successful you need to be good at managing your time and this is why this course is essential.

This is a very practical course designed specifically for researchers. It covers the breadth of time management issues including prioritising, beating procrastination, effective planning and scheduling, dealing with distractions and changing bad habits. Be prepared to participate fully in workshop activities, attend ALL three sessions and undertake some work between sessions (minimum 2 hours) to put into practice what you learn.

Listening, communicating and supporting effectively are vital skills for many roles throughout the University. However, they are often areas in which individuals feel under-skilled and inexperienced. This series of four sessions has been designed to increase knowledge, ability and confidence in these key areas. Learning will be through theoretical and experiential input, small and large group participation.

Springboard is a personal development programme for all women staff/graduate students. It will give you the opportunity to take stock and consider your personal and professional goals. During the programme you will explore your future in a practical way and learn how to develop your potential. You will undertake realistic self-assessment and set challenging goals. 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.