For workshops and programmes relevant to Academic and Research staff, please see the Academic and researcher webpages.

LinkedIn for job search

This workshop covers the basics of creating a LinkedIn profile and will explain how to perfect your profile so that recruiters will take notice. We will cover how to search for job opportunities and apply for vacancies using LinkedIn.

These sessions will be taking place via MS Teams.

Dates

Tuesday 3rd June 2025, 10am-11am (Online)

These practical Facilitation workshops are designed to empower you with the skills and strategies needed to facilitate a range of activities, including focus groups, team away days and impactful meetings.

What You'll Gain:

• Master the art of effective communication and active listening.
• Learn proven techniques to keep meetings on track and engage all participants.
• Cultivate a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
• Acquire tools to navigate challenging conversations and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Develop confidence in facilitating diverse groups and driving consensus.

Key Workshop Highlights:

• Sessions led by seasoned facilitators with real-world experience.
• Interactive activities to reinforce learning and skill application.
• Practical tips and resources for immediate implementation in your work environment.
• Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and share insights.

Whether you're an experienced facilitator looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to learn, this workshop is for you! Don't miss this chance to become a catalyst for positive change within your team and across the institution.

Please note In registering for this programme you must be able to attend both the sessions. Attendance is based on the understanding that you will be added to our bank of trained facilitators and would be expected to take part in institutional facilitation activities from time to time, as these arise and subject to your availability.

Dates:

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop, please contact OD to register your interest.

For workshops and programmes relevant to Leadership and Management, please see the Leadership and management webpages.

Organising successful events workshop

How do we organise events in this new and ever-changing climate? While a number of the key principles of events management remain in place, we have had to adapt our working practices to plan, deliver and evaluate successful online events.

Join Dr Anna Mackenzie, lead for the University’s central Events Team to discuss events management (for any size and all types of events, whether for academic or professional services purposes), share experiences, learn about new innovations to events at Lancaster, and above all hopefully gain some confidence! We will introduce you to the cross-University Events Network, signpost you to resources to support planning, and answer as many questions as possible. Bring your questions, musings and challenges to workshop with the group in a supportive environment and learn from each other.

Dates

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop, please contact OD to register your interest.

There is an events network Teams group for advice and guidance and to post your questions on event management questions.

PDR reviewer training

These webinars aims to support PDR Reviewers in conducting relevant and quality PDR conversations with their reviewees.

It concentrates on the skills and behaviours required to facilitate meaningful conversations.

Please complete the PDR E-Learning prior to attending and access the PDR webpages and FAQs for guidance on the process, setting objectives and planning development.

Dates

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop, please contact OD to register your interest.

This one-day workshop is appropriate for anyone who has to give presentations, whether in a meeting, in an interview, at a conference or any other situation where you need to get your message across.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

· effectively plan presentations, taking into consideration aspects such as content, structure, audience

· use strategies to deliver impactful content

· deliver engaging presentations, confidently managing questions and interruptions

As well as providing opportunities to practice aspects of the above, this workshop also allows for smaller groups to discuss concerns and share experiences in a way which is meaningful and support reflection of how to apply the learning in practice.

This workshop will be held in-person.

Dates

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop, please contact OD to register your interest.

For workshops and programmes relevant to Professional Services and Technical staff, please see the Professional services webpages.

Aim

This programme enables participants to develop the skills associated with scoping, planning, delivering and evaluating projects through the use of a range of tools and techniques.

This programme enables participants to gain the skills of Project Management and to plan projects, meet deadlines, interpret quality standards and plan to meet budget constraints. It provides an understanding of the nature of projects and the development of the skills required when planning, monitoring and managing projects. The programme includes:

• The roles and responsibilities of a Project Manager and Project Team member as well as Project Sponsor (or champion) and other important stakeholders
• Defining projects and Project Definition Statements
• The 4 stages of Project Management
• The essential elements of Project Management
• Creative tools and how to use them to plan projects more effectively

The programme is delivered via 3 half-day workshops. This is supported by a follow up small group action learning session where participants present their project findings and can address individual project management queries.

Participants are required to commit to participating in all elements of the programme.

Who is it for?

Staff who are currently responsible for leading and managing a project.

Dates:

There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop, please contact OD to register your interest.

This development is appropriate for anyone who is interested in taking on a management role in the future or for those that supervise staff on a formal or informal basis, such as a duty manager or shift supervisor.

This course will give you:

• An understanding of the role of a manager/supervisor including expectations around the role and problem solving;

• the ability to set clear expectations of performance for your team, including holding people to account and having difficult conversations;

• a better understanding of communication skills.

• This workshop also allows for smaller groups to discuss concerns and share experiences in a way which is meaningful and support reflection of how to apply the learning in practice.

If you have formal line management role (i.e. you conduct PDRs for staff) please consider the MANAGER@Lancaster programme.

Dates

Wednesday 21st May 2025, 9.30am-4.30pm (In-Person)

Communities of practice (CoP)

CoP bring together colleagues who have a shared interest in a particular topic and want to share practice and learn from each other.

Themed CoP can be a means of sharing and developing knowledge and experience amongst colleagues. A CoP will have a designated lead who instigates online meetings, however, members determine topics and are active participants in the group.

The CoP Guide outlines how CoP operate and what’s involved. The Guide provides tips and ideas for CoP leads.

How to get involved

CoPs are open to all staff, however, before joining a CoP please make sure that you can commit to actively engaging with the group online discussions and chats and by sharing your stories, experiences, ideas and tools that are relevant to the topic.

Setting up a new community of practice

If you wish to set up a new group and take the lead please contact OD for with details of the theme that you wish to establish for further details.

We have several EDI–related networks and associations at Lancaster University for staff and students.

For information visit the EDI webpages.

There is an events network Teams group for advice and guidance and to post your questions on event management questions.

(Lead: Anna Mackenzie)

Guidance for those chairing and scheduling meetings is available on the managing committees community of practice Teams group, which also provides an opportunity to ask questions and find out about further support available.

(Lead: Lucy Sanderson)

Useful guides:

Running Successful Meetings

Meeting Etiquette - Meeting Culture and Etiquette

Are you working with communities or the general public as part of your work at Lancaster University?

If so, a public and community engagement network has been set up, bringing together colleagues from across faculties and departments to share experiences and opportunities. It will also be a place for training and development sessions, sharing resources and good practice - all with the ultimate aim of learning from each other and promoting the benefits of public and community engagement.

Whether you are a researcher or member of Professional Services staff, the new network is for everyone, at any stage of their career no matter what your experience with public and community engagement.

The network will be shaped by your input and feedback whilst also providing a great way to get your insights as we develop a strategic approach to public and community engagement across the institution.

Public engagement network (Lead: Jess Shaw)