PPD Personal and Professional Development course timetable

This course prepares you to write a CV, job application and covering letter that stands out and makes employers take notice and to undertake a successful job search. You will learn what to include and exclude in your CV, how to choose the right format, how to tailor information to match job requirements, and how to deal with employment gaps, job hopping and/or lack of experience.

The course is highly participative, providing an opportunity to share experiences with others, as well as time to practise your skills.

This series of meetings are for technical managers and leaders across the University to meet informally and talk about the successes and challenges of this part of their role.

The meetings are for all those who are professionally responsible for others in the workplace, formally and informally. The meeting may include a short update about the Network or opportunities for leaders and managers. Following that is the chance for smaller groups of colleagues to speak about current priorities and plans, and to feedback suggestions for the development of the Network, supported by PPD.

All EC projects can be subject to audit. If your EC award is worth €325,000 (H2020 direct costs) or more your project will be automatically audited by UCAM’s external auditors (CG Lees) once your actual expenditure has reached or exceeded that threshold.

The session aims to discuss the audit requirement for the EC awards and provide clarification on the documentations required in support of expenditure on EC grants.

Ellen Thompson and Jonathan Gray from CG Lees will discuss the audit requirements and the typical pitfalls that you may wish to be aware of when managing an EC award.

The session will be facilitated by ROO Compliance team and there will be time for Q&A.

Please note that the session will be recorded.

This course prepares you to showcase with confidence your skills, experience and potential in a job interview that takes place either virtually or in-person. You will learn how to prepare for interview, anticipate likely questions and plan how to answer them. You will learn techniques for handling nerves and be able to project yourself positively on screen and in-person.

You will also be able to pre-empt and deal with common technical challenges that can occur in an online interview.

The course is highly participative, providing an opportunity to share experiences with others, as well as time to practise your skills.

Alison will provide you with an understanding of the importance of philanthropy, how it makes a difference for Cambridge and how you can partner in raising private support for departments and the University.

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.

The last two years before retirement are a good time to prepare for personal change in readiness for leaving employment. We offer two different pre-retirement courses and recommend that you book on to both.

This course includes detailed information on occupational pensions and managing your time in retirement. You will have the opportunity to share information and discuss any concerns about retirement in a relaxed setting.

Representatives from University Pensions Administration will provide details of the occupational pension schemes relevant to those attending the course (CPS and USS). They will also answer individual queries. Benefit statements for participants who are members of the CPS scheme will be provided in advance of the session.

Our Learning and Development Consultant will lead an informal discussion on how to approach managing your time in retirement.

If you are also interested in Retirement: Pre-retirement - Legal and Finance please book that related course which will cover the following:

• Legal Advisors from Barr Ellison, Cambridge will explore some of the key legal issues that you may wish to consider when approaching retirement i.e. Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney.
• Philip Bowden-Pickstock of Dartington Wealth will give a detailed overview of the different ways in which you may wish to consider managing your retirement income. He will give details of how tax is collected in retirement and answer questions.
• HR colleagues will outline the possible options for retirement for Established staff and the processes involved with each option, as well as the actions that need to be taken.

IUK grants are subject to periodic financial audit by UCAM’s external auditors (CG Lees). Number and frequency of the audits required throughout the lifetime of the grant is defined by the value of the award and stated in the grant agreements.

The session aims to discuss the audit requirement for the IUK awards and provide clarification on the documentations required in support of expenditure on IUK grants.

Ellen Thompson and Jonathan Gray from CG Lees will discuss the audit requirements and the typical pitfalls that you may wish to be aware of when managing an IUK grant.

The session will be facilitated by ROO Compliance team and there will be time for Q&A.

Please note that the session will be recorded.

The University is required to conduct an annual audit on all of its Department of Health and Human Services (e.g. NIH, CDC, etc) and USAID (International Development) grants, as part of the terms and conditions of these grants. The audit is conducted on a sample basis and around 20% of our Federally funded grants are sampled annually for review by our external auditors CG Lees.

The session aims to discuss the audit requirement for the US federally funded awards and provide clarification on the documentations required in support of expenditure on such grants.

Ellen Thompson and Jonathan Gray from CG Lees will discuss the audit requirements and the typical pitfalls that you may wish to be aware of when managing a federally funded grant.

The session will be facilitated by ROO Compliance team and there will be time for Q&A.

Please note that the session will be recorded.

An information webinar providing information on various Digital Apprenticeships available through Firebrand Training, one of our approved training providers. This webinar will provide information on several Digital Apprenticeships including;

• Data Technician Level 3
• Data Analyst Level 4
• Information Communication Technician Level 3
• Software Tester Level 4
• IT Solutions Technician Level 3
• Business Analyst Level 4
• Cyber Security Technician Level 3
• Cyber Security Technologist Level 4

The purpose of the webinar will be to provide you with an overview of Digital programmes available, and will give you the opportunity to ask any questions.

Apprenticeship guidance

Sign up to the  Apprenticeships Mailing List

This workshop provides an opportunity for those recruiting to professional services roles to update and refresh their understanding of the recruitment and selection processes at the University of Cambridge. It includes an overview of the current recruitment and selection process and how to create the conditions where you can recruit the best candidate, avoiding common pitfalls, whilst ensuring practice is fair to all candidates at each stage.

NOTE If you are new to recruitment and selection, it is recommended that you attend the 1 day Recruitment and Selection Skills workshop.

These monthly meetings are for managers and leaders across the University to meet informally and talk about the successes and challenges of this part of their role. The meetings are for all those who are professionally responsible for others in the workplace, formally and informally.

The meeting may include a short update about the Network or opportunities for leaders and managers. Following that is the chance for smaller groups of colleagues to speak about current priorities and plans, and to feedback suggestions for the development of the Network, supported by PPD.

Further information regarding the Leaders and Managers Network.

Springboard is a personal development programme for all female 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.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

This short 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, behaviour 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 respectful working environment. The interactive session will explore what it means to be a good manager of others 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

The last two years before retirement are a good time to prepare for personal change in readiness for leaving employment. We offer two different pre-retirement courses and recommend that you book on to both.

This course includes detailed information on occupational pensions and managing your time in retirement. You will have the opportunity to share information and discuss any concerns about retirement in a relaxed setting.

Representatives from University Pensions Administration will provide details of the occupational pension schemes relevant to those attending the course (CPS and USS). They will also answer individual queries. Benefit statements for participants who are members of the CPS scheme will be provided in advance of the session.

Our Learning and Development Consultant will lead an informal discussion on how to approach managing your time in retirement.

If you are also interested in Retirement: Pre-retirement - Legal and Finance please book that related course which will cover the following:

• Legal Advisors from Barr Ellison, Cambridge will explore some of the key legal issues that you may wish to consider when approaching retirement i.e. Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney.
• Philip Bowden-Pickstock of Dartington Wealth will give a detailed overview of the different ways in which you may wish to consider managing your retirement income. He will give details of how tax is collected in retirement and answer questions.
• HR colleagues will outline the possible options for retirement for Established staff and the processes involved with each option, as well as the actions that need to be taken.

Leadership Essentials is a key programme suitable for those with responsibilities for others’ work, behaviour and development, which aims to help managers refresh and build their skills and experience in this area. As well as clarifying key responsibilities, it focuses on critical areas that some can find more difficult, such as giving and receiving feedback effectively and handling challenging conversations. The programme incorporates tutor input; opportunities for discussion, 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 half day sessions.

Before attending, please take some time to review the short Leadership Essentials: Management Responsibilities Films of other University colleagues talking about their role as a manager.

Managing and developing talent in your team is a key skill for any manager in order to create an environment for their team to perform to the best of their ability, both individually and as a group.

From adopting a strategic approach to developing talent in order to deliver objectives, to understanding key strategies for developing your team at each stage of the employee lifecycle, this interactive and participative workshop offers you the opportunity to consider how to develop strength in your team, enhance motivation and wellbeing as well as share your experiences with others.

During this period, PPD is keen to continue to promote development opportunities for University staff. This information webinar will help you to identify if you wish to progress your development by way of an Apprenticeship.

We are looking to explore what interest there is at this current time in the Laboratory Technician Level 3 and Education Technician Level 3 apprenticeships and hope that there will be sufficient interest to establish a University-wide cohorts. By establishing University-wide cohorts, we are looking to encourage more departments to use apprenticeships as a way to provide focused professional development for staff. Any participants will also have the advantage of a peer group support to work through the programme with. The webinar will be presented by CSR Scientific Training Ltd, who specialise in the delivery of these apprenticeship programmes.

Laboratory Technicians are found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments. The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisations.

A Higher Education (HE) Assistant Technician will work within higher education institutions such as Universities. They will typically work in one of the following academic settings: applied science, engineering, arts and humanities, environmental science, sports science, performing arts or healthcare science. A Simulation-based Education (SBE) technician may be employed and work within NHS Trusts, higher education institutions or within industry or in private facilities on a consultancy basis. SBE technicians will typically work in a skills and simulation centres, clinical and non-clinical areas and conference or event venues.

• Apprenticeships Website
• Lab Tech Apprenticeship Standard link
• Education Technician (HE Assistant Technician and Simulation-Based Technician) Apprenticeship Standard Link

This development programme for generalist and specialist administrators draws on the expertise of senior figures in the University and provides up to date information on the various strands and issues of University strategy and governance. It includes development of some key skills and a project activity, and offers a valuable opportunity to network with administrators from the UAS and other departments and institutions.

Selection for this programme is via nomination by School Secretaries, Heads of Division or Heads of Non-School Institutions during the summer. Nominees will need to demonstrate the benefit of participating, both for themselves and their institution. Please speak to your line manager and/or appropriate nominator if you would like to be considered. Please see further information about key themes and speakers on the programme flyer.

Change is a constant feature in today’s workplace and yet many of us find it hard to navigate successfully through change.

Studies show that the line manager has a critical role to play in ensuring staff are ready for change and in successfully implementing it. These sessions will equip you with the skills and attitudes you need to guide, support and motivate your team through the process of change.

Case studies, discussion and activities will provide the opportunity to share ideas and embed skills.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.

Communicating clearly and being engaging can be challenging in any work environment. Doing so remotely can be even more difficult. Whether you’re teaching, leading meetings or preparing for an interview, this session will provide you with constructive feedback and tips to refine your speaking style, get your points across, and increase your personal impact. Coaching will “zoom in” on the areas you need to focus on, address any concerns you may have about your communication skills, and help you shape and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Participants may also find it useful to complete the Presentation Skills online module

Please only book one session. This booking page may be used to book a follow-up session for additional support, through mutual agreement with the trainer.