All PPD Personal and Professional Development courses

Would you like to help develop at career development programme for Professional Services staff in grades 3 to 6?

This interactive session encourages participants to consider what provisions would be useful to support the development of grades 3 to 6 Professional Services staff, how this might be implemented in terms of course format and delivery and how it might be marketed to the relevant team members to encourage engagement.

Leadership and Management Guidelines: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

The Briefing aims to address key information required for Heads of Institution with regard to finance. Professor David Cardwell, PVC Strategy and Planning and David Hughes, Director of Finance will cover the following topics:

• University financials and overarching narrative
• Planning, budgeting and investment decision making (today and tomorrow)
• Introduction to key Financial Regulations and operational procedures
• Current key transformational initiatives, including the Enhanced Financial Transparency project
• Where to go for help and support

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.

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.

Ndunge will provide an insight on utilising data-driven approaches to enhance workforce inclusivity through EDI initiatives, fostering an environment of excellence and equality.

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 Director of Estates Operations will provide an overview of the Estates Division and various initiatives underway to improve the Estate. 

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.

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.

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 half day sessions.

• Leadership Masterclass: Delivering Impact Working with a Global Network: Bitesize
• Leadership Masterclass: Leadership Matters: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Leading Change Model: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Change is a constant feature in today’s workplace and this level of change certainly won’t go away and may indeed become more intense.

Studies show that the line manager has a critical role to play in ensuring staff are ready for change and in successfully implementing it. It can therefore be helpful to reflect on how we personally approach and manage change and how we can lead and support our teams through change.

This online course will give you some practical steps to help you lead your team through change whilst maintaining your own wellbeing.

This information webinar presents two new apprenticeships to the University:

Learning & Skills Mentor Level 4

Coaching Professional Level 5

The session is an opportunity for you to find out more about these new development opportunities that Cambridge is offering you and to ask any questions.

The Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship Level 4 is for individuals who support others with their learning and development towards agreed goals and will benefit any individual looking to develop their abilities as a mentor, team leader, coach, supervisor or manager. You must have a strong aspiration to support learners, along with a commitment to making the time to do so. You may have some pre-existing experience of informal mentoring, that can be built upon throughout the programme. This is a 15-month programme, and you will be expected to mentor at least 3 mentees on this programme.

The Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Level 5 aims to develop the capabilities of current or aspiring coaches, to allow them to develop a range of coaching skills. This is for individuals to work as an internal coach with a wide range of individuals and teams, to enhance their professional performance. Coaching is a way of leading in a non-directive manner, helping people to learn through listening and reflective open questions rather than instructing, giving advice or making suggestions. You will benefit from one-to-one coaching from experienced coach mentors and training the stretches and challenges the development of core coaching skills.

There are two options – a 17-month programme for those new to coaching and 15-month programme for those who have coaching experience. You will be expected to build up a minimum of 36 hours of coaching practice. The completion of the programme will demonstrate that you have acquired and applied the skills needed to be an effective coach.

We are looking to establish what interest there for either apprenticeship and hope that there will be sufficient interest to establish 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.

The OCM Group, our approved training provider for these programmes, will deliver the webinar and will be available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have before submitting an expression of interest.

Programme details of each apprenticeship can be found via the links below:

Learning & Skills Mentor Level 4

Coaching Professional Level 5

There is a minimum of 8 people required for each programme, for a cohort to run. Depending on the level of interest shown, it is intended that these apprenticeship cohorts will start mid-2024. However, you will also have the opportunity to join an open (public) cohort if we are unable to reach sufficient numbers for a closed cohort. Entry to these cohorts will be by application and is open to all University employees who meet the eligibility criteria.

A link to the session will be sent with the joining instructions when your booking is confirmed.

Further information from the provider, the OCM Group.

Apprenticeship guidance.

How do you lead, build and contribute to creating effective Teams? What is the secret map for this? In this podcast, Reshmin Haq (PPD) discusses building effective teams using the Tuckman model with Daniela Manca (University Recovery Programme).

Access the recording of the Let us Talk Teams Podcast.

A LinkedIn Learning course on Building your Resilience, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Crucial Conversations, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Demonstrating Dignity at Work, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Developing People, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Dismantling Racism at Cambridge, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Effective and Assertive Communication, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Effective Meetings, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Influencing and Negotiating, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Innovation and New Ways of Working, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Leadership and Management - Essentials, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Leadership and Management – Feedback Skills, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Managing and Leading Remotely, curated by ourcambridge.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Managing your Career, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

LinkedIn Learning resources on Project Management, curated by University of Cambridge project managers.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Recruitment Essentials - Professional Services, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Skills for working in a hybrid environment, curated by PPD.

Whether you are working onsite, on multiple work sites, at home or a mixture, we are now all working in a hybrid environment. This short collection of resources covers some of the skills for working together effectively, as individuals within a team and as those with professional responsibility for others.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Staff Review and Development, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Strategic Thinking, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Team Working, curated by PPD.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

A LinkedIn Learning course on Valuing Diversity, curated by PPD. Includes the University’s Equality and Diversity Essentials course.

This is provided by the University of Cambridge subscription to LinkedIn Learning.

Please note that your training record on LinkedIn Learning will not currently be available via your training record within the University Training Booking System (UTBS).

Management Responsibilities Films: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

For many people having challenging conversations can be difficult and feel uncomfortable; however the ability to be able to talk about sensitive and emotive issues is an integral part of effective line management and can be critical to managing performance, promoting attendance and improving team dynamics.

This course will give you some practical steps to help you handle these conversations better and, where possible, get the right outcome for you, the individual and the University.

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.

This session is for leaders and managers to consider this part of their role in the context of working in a hybrid environment.

Since March 2020, people managers have continued to support individuals and teams to work together to ensure that key tasks have been achieved whether onsite and offsite. It's been a huge challenge at times – working out how to balance the work whilst maintaining safety, health and wellbeing. The learning has also been huge and this session aims to highlight how areas of practice (that have always been important for managers) have been and are still impacted by current ways of working. Maintaining a sense of shared identity and purpose, as well as ensuring equal access to information, relationships and opportunity, have all become new priorities. We will look at the challenges and opportunities given by working in a hybrid environment, and share ideas and techniques for good practice.

Access the recording of the Managing in a Hybrid Environment – What's Changed Webinar.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is the most widely used personality instrument worldwide, based on over 50 years’ research and development.

It presents a framework for understanding how you operate, how others operate, and how you can use that understanding to get more from yourself and the relationships you have with others.

This workshop is led by a qualified MBTI practitioner and will involve taking the MBTI questionnaire, investigating the four areas of preference covered by MBTI, self-assessment of type with group exercises, looking at your best fit type and investigating how it could help you at work.

Learning about your personality type can help you to understand your role within your team and the role of others. It can also help you to cope with organisational change, deal with stress effectively and develop your emotional intelligence.

Mentoring - 5Cs Model: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Mentoring Guide: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Minute taking is not usually about writing a verbatim record of what is said but it is about understanding why minutes are required and recognising what is important to record.

This course is an introductory guide for anyone who is required to take minutes. It does not cover the additional skills required to take minutes at University committee meetings.

Negotiation - An Overview: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Networking: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

Starting something new, a new project, a new initiative, a new strategy is always daunting but where do you start and how and what do you do? What should you not do and who do you take with you on your new venture? We discuss this with Joy Houghton, the Chief of Staff of the University of Cambridge's first overseas research centre, the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES). In this podcast, find out more about Joy’s work and experience in setting up CARES.

Access the recording of the New Horizons Podcast.

This session will provide staff with an overview of the proposed changes to Researcher reward and progression. There will be an opportunity to discuss points and ask questions.

Personal Development Plan: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

PESTLE Analysis: Bitesize

PPD bitesize resources are short and high impact; including videos, quick tips guides and interactive bitesize modules. Develop your skills and knowledge quickly, easily, when you need. They complement face to face events and more in-depth online modules.

So, you’ve recruited a new postdoc – now, what can you do to you ensure you work effectively together, support their work, align your plans, help them to develop and utilise their skills, establish a sense of wellbeing (yours and theirs)? What are your responsibilities in this area, what happens if things go off track, who can help? With guest PIs, including Professor Judy Hirst and Dr Ewan St John Smith, this short webinar will explore these questions and consider the key skills and knowledge to achieve an effective and productive working relationship and achieve the project goals together. It will also signpost you to resources and further opportunities to build your skills in this area.

Access the recording of the PIs: Working Effectively with your Postdoc webinar.

Do you dread speaking in public or giving presentations? Or are you looking to build on your current skills and experience to make your planning and delivery more effective? This course aims to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence in both formal and informal presentation situations e.g. meetings, training sessions and conferences.

This online course provides an opportunity to explore key areas in both preparation and delivery of presentations.

The University has a statutory duty to have ‘due regard to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. This is known as the Prevent Duty (Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015). It is primarily about safeguarding students and staff in the University and includes a range of responsibilities in areas such as pastoral care, support for staff and students, procedures for arranging events and using facilities. All staff need to be aware of the process of radicalisation, definitions of extremism and the process for raising concerns in this context.

This online module (approx. 45 minutes) provides information about Prevent for all staff working in the University. It is to be used alongside the guidance information, including how to raise a concern in this context, on the University Prevent website.

To access this online module and see details of all available training and support, visit the Prevent Training Moodle site using your Raven login. Before starting the Prevent online modules you must update your Moodle profile to include your College and University institution. For guidance on how to do this see the Moodle help page. If you do not have a College and/or Cambridge institution please select 'Not applicable.