Learning and Development course timetable

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 full day sessions.

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Zelda la Grange, renowned leadership expert and former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa (1994 – 1999), is our very exclusive guest speaker online on 21 May, 1.00pm.

Zelda will be joining us to share highlights from her recently published, inspiring book, ‘What Nelson Mandela Taught Me – Timeless lessons on Leadership and Life’, providing her invaluable insights on leadership, resilience, and the art of supporting executives at the highest level. Drawing on her personal experience, she will discuss the critical skills required to thrive as an Executive or Personal Assistant, how to build trust and influence, and how to navigate the ever-evolving demands of the role.

Whether you’re an aspiring PA or a seasoned professional, this talk promises to inspire! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most distinguished voices in leadership! Zelda will join us online for the first 30mins (includes time for Q&A) and then there will be an additional optional 30mins for reflections, networking and sharing for those who wish to stay on the call.

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

Have you ever wished you could get 10 minutes with a senior colleague to ask their advice on how they would handle something? Have you ever wondered how others approach challenging problems? This is your opportunity to ask. We are bringing together a panel of very experienced colleagues from across the University for a special speed mentoring session so that they can offer you their support and advice.

Speed mentoring offers you the opportunity for a series of short, focused conversations about a specific question or issue you are struggling with. You will rotate around four different mentors, spending around 10 minutes with each, to gain different perspectives on an issue you are seeking to resolve or a project you are trying to progress.

"I liked that there were a diverse background of university staff involved in the session, and all of the mentors were really engaged and enthusiastic. I felt that I could be honest about some of my experiences in the University, good and bad. All the mentors I spoke to acted as a good sound board for the issues that I wanted to discuss and they have given me some excellent advice and ideas."

"The fact that we saw 4 different mentees was brilliant - we gained different perspectives, saw different mentoring types and were also introduced to people and roles we may not have known about."

Mentors:

• Jackie Hall - Head of General Division - Office of the School of Clinical Medicine

• Graham Philpott - Head of Careers - Careers Service

• Megan Wilkins - Head of Strategy and Implementation - Cambridge University Health Partners

• Oli Gray - Director of Operations - Students' Union

• Duncan Watson - Delivery Manager - UIS

• Iain Morrison - Head of IT and Digital Transformation (SAH and SHSS) - UIS (SAH & SHSS)

You've heard of a book group, but how about one for podcasts? In these sessions we will focus on a different episode from the wonderful Squiggly Careers Amazing If podcasts, which includes over 300 episodes on career based topics ranging from coaching and confidence, to strength and values.

Before each session you will be sent a link to a podcast episode to listen to and reflect upon. During the session you will be led through a selection of tasks/exercises recommended in the episode Pod Sheet. You will have the opportunity to work on these individually and then reflect back as a group.

Session 20: How silos stop you in your job and hold your career back

Silos affect our ability to do our job and the opportunities we have for our development. In this episode podcast hosts share their own experiences of silos and 3 ideas for action to help you break through them. From anthropology to investing in adjacencies, their silo-busting solutions will help you succeed in your squiggly career.

Following on from our first session focusing on Research Programmes in 2024 and continuing sessions with a Research Programme focus:

Join us for an online finance-focused session about how to successfully manage budgets for research projects – including scenarios, advice, troubleshooting and top tips. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions relating to your own projects and to build knowledge around financial management.

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).

We all have challenging conversations from time to time that we dread. Wishing it would go away rarely works. Having a clear strategy can make all the difference. This workshop is designed to give you the skills and confidence to have a meaningful, productive conversation at work.

This 90 minute scenario-based training, incorporating forum theatre, aims to entertain and inform. You will be watching a live work based conversation and have the opportunity to give feedback and interact with the ‘characters’ to understand and develop a positive outcome. By the end of this webinar you will have a better understanding of how a difficult conversation can go wrong and how to put it right.

We will explore how the best intentions can sometimes go wrong. We will help you build a solid technique to get it right.

The main session is for 90 minutes, followed by optional time for further discussion and Q&A with the trainer.

Do you volunteer locally, support volunteering across the University, or want to learn more about the impact and benefits of volunteering?

Join colleagues from across the collegiate University as we come together to celebrate National Volunteers Week and recognise the incredible contributions of our volunteers and supporters.

This is an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers, hear inspiring stories, and reflect on the positive difference we’re making, both within the University and beyond.

Whether you're an active volunteer, a supporter, or simply curious to get involved, please join us.

Please share this event with colleagues or networks who may be interested in attending.

Objectives

• Connection: with fellow volunteers, share inspiring stories, and reflect on the positive difference we’re making, both within the University and beyond.
• Expert Insights: Hear from guest speakers from Cambridgeshire Council for Voluntary Services (CCVS) as well as members of our own volunteering community
• Volunteering - have your say: share your thoughts and experiences with us.
• Leadership Perspective: welcome address by Professor Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice Chancellor University Community & Engagement.

Draft Agenda for the day

• 14:30 Introduction by Civic Engagement Team
• 14:40pm - 14:55pm Welcome address by Professor Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University Community and Engagement
• 14:55pm - 15:10pm The Value of Volunteering by Sally Page, Deputy CEO, CCVS
• 15:10pm - 15:30pm Volunteering case study panel with Karen Pearce, Deputy Director of Sport and Niki Hughes, Opportunities Advisor University Museums
• 15:30pm - 16:30pm Networking and activities
• Hot and cold drinks and cake refreshment available throughout the day.

Please Note: Once you have booked on the course, click on Add to Calendar to start the process to import the course appointment into your calendar. If you have any dietary and/or access requirements, please let us know when booking your place. We will try our best to accommodate you.

The top two categories of requests from you, the community, are Networking and Community Building and Best Practices and Experience Sharing. These regular catch ups are designed as an open forum for informal conversation, collaboration, and mutual learning with peers across the University, including members of the core team. We encourage you to come prepared to share your successes, challenges, and insights, as your experiences will shape the richness of the discussion. Whether you're looking for a listening ear, fresh ideas, offering your own strategies, or simply seeking to connect with others in similar roles, this is your opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the collective expertise of the community.

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.

Click here to view the full Leadership Briefing Series

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 full day sessions.

This webinar will explain what mental health is, support you to recognise causes and signs of poor mental wellbeing, and give tips on how to start a supportive conversation.

Objectives:

• What is mental health?
• The mental health and wellbeing matrix
• Risk factors for poor mental wellbeing
• Common signs and symptoms of poor mental wellbeing
• Tips for having supportive conversations about mental health
• Sources of support

Please Note: Once you have booked on the course, click on Add to Calendar to start the process to import the course appointment into your calendar. This contains the link to the MS Teams course meeting under Joining Instructions that you will use to join on the day of the course.

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 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 full day sessions.

Values are what makes you you. They are the things that drive and motivate you. Being more aware of them can help you to make better decisions at work, leaving you more fulfilled and happy. They can help you make good choices and provide a guiding force to point you in the right direction at times of uncertainty. This session gives the opportunity to join with a small group of colleagues to explore your values. You will be guided through an exercise by an experienced facilitator from the Organisational Development team.

This is an interactive session, so please join the call from somewhere where you feel comfortable to talk and participate fully in group activities.

In this workshop, we are taking on the big question – why are men still struggling to talk about their mental health in 2025? Mike O’Hara from Start Within will join us to discuss these contemporary challenges and shine the spotlight on mental health warning signs specific to men, whilst also sharing tips on how to tailor our approach to conversations around men's mental health. All participants will come away with practical resources, and increased knowledge on support options and further learning opportunities.

Objectives:

• Setting the scene on men’s mental health with contemporary data and anecdotal lived experience
• Investigating why men are still struggling to talk about mental health in 2025
• Exploring societal barriers, gendered coping mechanisms and typical warning signs
• Championing vulnerability as a superpower
• Sharing tips on cultivating difficult conversations and allyship
• Accessing support and further learning

Please Note: Once you have booked on the course, click on Add to Calendar to start the process to import the course appointment into your calendar. This contains the link to the MS Teams course meeting under Joining Instructions that you will use to join on the day of the course.

The SDP programme will offer a blend of theory and practical learning sessions, interwoven with the strategy and governance context of the University. This will be delivered over several sessions and put in to practice with a strategic work project.

• You need to meet the selection criteria and complete an application form for the programme.
• Applications will require approval by your line manager and will then be reviewed and prioritised by School Secretary, Head of Division and Head of Institution, Registrary as appropriate.
• Applications typically open in May each year.

“A climate where people feel safe to contribute their ideas, thoughts and even challenges without fear of humiliation or recrimination.” Professor Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School.

Levels of trust and psychological safety in a team can have a significant impact on performance. When it is present, motivation and innovation will increase. When we feel safe, we can communicate openly and transparently, and this allows us to learn and grow. A lack of trust results in mistakes being buried, and in difficulties with retention, stress and low morale.

This session will allow you to reflect on how a psychologically safe environment can be fostered and the role you play in this.

Three alternative dates – please only sign up to one as the content is identical.

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common passion, set of problems, or interest in a topic and who come together to fulfil both individual and group goals. 

CoPs bring colleagues together in order to:

• Create support networks

• Learn and grow their skills

• Share knowledge and join up related work

• Share common approaches

• Collaborate and innovate, and create better practices for everyone.

Come along to this session to find out more about how CoPs are being established and embedded at Cambridge, and the ways in which they could help you and those who you manage. There will be the opportunity to share ideas and concerns you have about the CoPs initiative and learn more about this exciting new area of development in the University.

To find out more about Communities of Practice visit the Communities of Practice SharePoint Page

1 in 4 people people worldwide ‘feel very or fairly lonely’. To explore how loneliness can affect us, we are looking at the 'social' in the world of social media, as well as the wider influence that living online and a drastically altered workplace can have on our wellbeing. Together we will identify the challenges in an increasingly online world, reflect on how interaction (or a lack of) makes us feel and provide resources to take away to help us better connect with each other. We will also share our own tips on how to beat loneliness whilst WFH, ease anxieties associated with the post-pandemic era and acknowledge the continued uncertainty we might be experiencing.

Objectives:

• Making the case for loneliness as the great under-discussed epidemic
• Understanding the evolutionary need for connection and community
• Grounding loneliness in the modern world
• Having the ‘social media conversation’, to include pros and cons
• Facilitating discussion on connection in the workplace
• Sharing connection practices from around the globe
• Accessing support and further learning

Please Note: Once you have booked on the course, click on Add to Calendar to start the process to import the course appointment into your calendar. This contains the link to the MS Teams course meeting under Joining Instructions that you will use to join on the day of the course.

This session provides an introduction for both mentors and mentees. We will discuss the benefits of mentoring and provide guidance on how to set objectives for the mentoring relationship and how to prepare for your first session together. We will also offer some tips about how to be a good mentee and mentor.

Alison Traub will provide an overview of philanthropy at Cambridge, including global trends in higher education philanthropy, the role of fundraising campaigns, the fundraising process, and how academics and fundraisers collaborate to secure support for the academic mission.

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.

Click here to view the full Leadership Briefing Series