Leadership and management learning and development
As a new or established leader or manager, there is a range of development opportunities available to support you, including workshop based programmes for leaders, managers and project managers as well as a range of resources for self-directed study.
Action Learning Sets are a development intervention that can support managers as they navigate through change and or in support of wider management challenges.
Action Learning is an approach to solving live challenges that involve taking action and reflecting upon the results, so helping to improve the problem-solving process. A group of people (a set) meet regularly over a period of time, support one another in finding resolutions to challenges by listening, asking questions, providing feedback with the objective of individual identifying action. Action Learning ultimately results in shared personal and professional growth.
Action Learning offers the time and space for members to work together on live problems, which enable problem-holders to identify and commit to tangible actions. They build on the theory and discussions that take place in a training context, thus embedding, putting into practice and maximizing learning.
Who is it for?
Professional services managers.
Want to know more?
If you are new to Action Learning and want to find out more you can access a Guide to Action Learning or watch this short video.
You will need to commit to participating in all meeting dates (below) and to bringing live challenges to the group as well as actively supporting wider member of your group to identify actions. The launch event will explain the process.
cohort
Dates: There are currently no dates scheduled for this workshop. Please contact OD to register your interest.
Apply
Applications for this cohort are now closed. To register your interest in future sets, please contact OD.
This flagship Leadership Programme has been updated to reflect the current changing environment. It provides a development route for those aspiring to become Lancaster’s leaders of the future.
Audience
This programme is designed for aspiring and ambitious academic and professional service staff, typically in roles graded 8 or above who already have some management and leadership responsibilities (e.g. Principal Investigators, Professional Service Heads) and at least 2 years’ experience of working at Lancaster.
The aims of the programme are to enable participants to:
Critically appraise approaches to leadership in complex, changing working environments;
Gain practical leadership and self-development skills, including leading through change, understanding risk and financial implications;
Reflect on the new strategy and values and how these will impact on their own working practices and those of their teams;
Analyse strategies for personal learning in relation to own leadership practice;
Show insight into effective leadership behaviours and demonstrate understanding of how they influence other;
Develop a clear perspective on how to make a leadership contribution beyond their present role and underpin their own career progression;
Develop a supportive network of peers.
Is this programme for me?
Participation in the programme will be by application, with full support of your line manager and your Dean or Director. Agreement may be needed from a Faculty committee. A talent criteria matrix has been devised and is available to potential applicants and their managers to enable them to make decisions about the appropriateness of this programme. These criteria will support the decisions around whether the applicant:
has the necessary leadership potential;
can be supported with the time taken by the programme;
can be provided with the opportunities to implement their knowledge and skills during and after the programme.
The applicant should have the ambition to occupy a more senior role and/or take on additional leadership responsibilities in the short-medium term; should have given thought to the benefits they would derive from the programme and be willing to commit to the requirements of it. With the backing of their manager, they should also be in a position to select a suitably stretching strategic rather than operational objective (linked to but not necessarily directly derived from their PDR) that will be enhanced through participation in this programme (thereby testing out and demonstrating the learning gained from this leadership development opportunity and its impact on the institution).
Programme structure:
There are currently no dates for the next cohort.
Application
Applications for this cohort are not currently open. To register your interest, please contact OD.
There is a comprehensive range of resources available in the Management Resources - self-directed study section.
The Head of Department (HoD) development programme aims to equip new HoDs, through a tailored programme of blended development interventions, with the knowledge, underpinning understanding and associated skills and behaviours aligned to the role.
The programme is appropriate for newly appointed HoDs, existing HoD’s, deputy HoDs and academics who may be considering applying for the role within the next year.
On appointment, all new HoDs will have a meeting with an Organisational Developer to discuss their development needs, outline the development offer available and agree a tailored programme of activities.
This workshop series covers the essentials that incoming HoDs need to know. Dates and times are shown below. HoD’s will be invited to these workshops by Organisational Development. The workshops are also appropriate for colleagues who may be considering the role of HoD, if you have a colleague they might be suitable for please ask them to contact OD.
For session descriptions, please see the .
HR System Demonstration - There are no sessions currently scheduled, a recording is available upon request. Please contact OD.
Health and Safety - The Health and Safety team will be in touch with HoD’s directly to arrange this session.
Academic Promotions - TBC
Academic Probation - There are no sessions currently scheduled, a recording is available upon request. Please contact OD.
Student Support Structures - Tuesday 25th February 2025, 1pm-2pm (In-Person)
Legal Responsibilities - Staff and Students - Wednesday 23rd April 2025, 10am-12.30pm (In-Person)
Research Support
The Research Support Office provide Information and Guidance specifically for HoD's, please see the useful documents linked from this webpage.
For specific advice and guidance please contact your Faculty Contacts. The Faculty Research Development Partnership Manager will conduct an induction with all new HoD's.
For general enquiries regarding HoD development, please email OD.
A Managers Handbook has been developed to support leaders and managers to feel effective in their role, with appropriate signposts for further information and support. The handbook will be useful if you are a new Head of Department and will be a key point of reference beyond.
There is a comprehensive range of resources available in the Management Resources - self-directed study section.
Programme aims
The Leader@Lancaster programme recognises that leaders are found across the University in different roles and at different levels.
The Leader@Lancaster programme aims to develop leaders to:
understand the complex issues and opportunities of the Higher Education Environment
develop the underpinning behaviours and skills to lead change initiatives that will enable Lancaster to achieve its strategic ambitions.
develop the self-awareness required to become a reflective practitioner
Who is it for?
Do you lead a defined area of work, activity or project that requires you to delegate to others who are not necessarily in your team? Does your role require you to influence others across your department, faculty or the institution? If you answer yes to these questions, the Leader@Lancaster programme is likely to be appropriate.
The programme is typically (but not exclusively) aimed towards leaders in grades 6 and 8.
If you are looking to develop your management skills then you may like to consider the Manager@Lancaster programme designed for managers with operational line management responsibilities for staff, typically (but not exclusively) aimed towards managers in grades 6 - 7/8 and is appropriate for both Professional and Academic staff.
What's involved
The programme consists of the following elements:
A one-and-a-half-hour introductory workshop
The completion of a 360 degree appraisal and personal feedback of the results
Four half day workshops
Three one-hour small group discussion forums between the workshops to reflect on the learning from each workshop. These groups will be facilitated by the course tutor and will enable more detailed discussion of the topics that have been covered.
January 2025 programme dates
Introductory workshop: 9 January 2025 9.30am - 12pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 1- The Leadership Challenge: 6 February 2025 9.30am - 1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: 26 February 2025 (Online) Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 2- The Inclusive Leader: 11 March 2025 9.30am - 1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: 27 March 2025 (Online) Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 3- Leading Change: 15 May 2025 9.30am - 1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: 3 June 2025 (Online) Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 4- Leading with Impact and Influence: 17 June 2025 9.30am - 1pm (Face to Face)
Coaching session - This will be about a month after the final workshop. Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Consolidation Event – 17 July 2025 10am-12pm (Face to Face)
May 2025 programme dates
Introductory workshop: 13th May 2025, 9.30am-12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 1- The Leadership Challenge: 12th June 2025, 9.30am-1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: 24th June 2025 (Online) Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 2- The Inclusive Leader: 9th July 2025, 9.30am-1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: Wednesday 23rd July (Online) Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 3- Leading Change: 4th September, 9.30am-1pm (Face to Face)
Discussion Groups: Thursday 2nd October Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Workshop 4- Leading with Impact and Influence: 14th October 2025, 9.30am-1pm (Face to Face)
Coaching session - This will be about a month after the final workshop. Time slots will be allocated to you once the programme has begun.
Applications for this cohort are not currently open. To register your interest, please contact OD.
Manager@Lancaster is a development programme with a difference. Tailored to the needs of Lancaster University managers the programme supports and challenges managers to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to build and develop high performing teams.
The programme incorporates a range of activities that are practical and highly relevant to the managers role. The programme has been running for several years and has consistently received excellent reviews and has supported managers in enhancing their practice and finding solutions to common management challenges.
Programme aims
Enable participants to identify their individual management strengths and areas for development
Clarify the role and expectations of University managers
Develop key management skills and behaviours
Support a unique networking opportunity with a group of managers in similar roles facing similar challenges, who can work together and support each other
Who is it for?
Manager@Lancaster is designed for staff with operational line management responsibilities, typically (but not exclusively) aimed towards managers in grades 5 - 7/8. and is appropriate for both professional services and academic staff.
Your responsibilities should include formal line management of staff that typically includes the recruitment and induction of staff and conducting PDRs.
For team supervisors and those aspiring to be a line manager in the future there is a Stepping into Management workshop.
What’s involved
Programme induction
Interactive and engaging online workshops
Group Project work
1:1 coaching
Management exchange
Networking
Please ensure that you have the full support from your line manager before applying for this programme. There is a significant time and effort commitment, to attend workshops and to complete the variety of activities associated with the programme. However, the payback is equally as great, as the phrase goes… ‘you get out what you put in’. Please note that you will have to do some work outside of the workshops in order to complete the presentations, we recommend you start this as soon as possible after starting the programme.
Programme dates January 2025 cohort
Workshops
Introductory workshop – 14th January 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 1-The Role of the Manager - 4th February 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 2-Managing People - 26th February 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 3-Planning and Delegating - 27th March 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 4-Developing Yourself and Others – 6th May 2025, 9.30 am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 5-Building and Motivating your Team – 3rd June 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Project
Project Support Session – 11th February 2025, One hour between 9.30am-2pm (Online)
Project Support Session – 29th April 2025, One hour between 9.30am-2pm (Online)
Project Support Session - 21st May 2025, One hour between 9.30am-2pm (online)
Project Presentation Preparation - 11th June 2025, One hour between 9.30am-2pm Face to Face)
Project Presentations - 19th June 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm (Face to Face)
Consolidation event: 8th July 2025,10am-12pm (Face to Face)
Applications for this cohort are not currently open. To register your interest, please contact OD.
To find out more about the programmes and have your questions answered please come to one of the briefing sessions:
To support managers OD has a Manager Induction, which is targeted at those new to being a manager at Lancaster University. It could also be of value to those who have been a LU manager for some time.
This flyer explains the structure of the induction
The induction is designed to be flexible and customisable, recognising that new managers at the University will have a variance in experience and skills that they bring to the role. The programme is aimed at anyone with management responsibility for professional services, academic and researcher staff.
The starting point for the induction is the Being a manager at Lancaster University workshop. Opened by Andrew Barker, Director of Library Services, the workshop has the following aims:
To emphasise the importance of the role of a manager to the University achieving its strategic objectives;
To make managers aware of the range of development opportunities that are open to them to support their management priorities;
To initiate reflections on the development needs of new managers.
There are a number of workshops being scheduled that will be specific to managing in the Lancaster University context. Workshop titles and dates are shown below:
See also -Managers Handbook- a reference book for managers and leaders new to their role and a reference point thereafter.
This workshop is appropriate for anyone that may need to have one-to-one conversations such as about poor performance, student conduct, or negative attitudes.
At the end of the workshop you will be able to:
Understand the need for 'difficult' conversations
Conduct conversations using a structured approach
Use a range of listening and questioning skills
Describe a 3 stage process that can be used to defuse anger, calm someone down and move the situation forward.
Dates
The sessions are to be held online via MS Teams. Please click on one of the links below to book your place.
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 with operational project responsibilities, either managing or working on a project.
February 25 Programme Dates
Workshop 1: 13th February, 9.30am-12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 2: 26th February, 9.30am-12.30pm (Face to Face)
Workshop 3: 5th March, 9.30am-12.30pm (Face to Face)
Action Learning Set: 26th March (Face to Face) You will be allocated a 90-minute time slot throughout the day.
To apply for the programme please fill out this application form no later than Sunday the 8th December 2024.
The role of the PI (and CoI) is a vital one, both for the success of the University itself, but also in enhancing and supporting the career development and personal growth of the researchers, postdocs and PhD researchers employed within any given research project.
Building a supportive research environment and culture
Understanding good employment practice
Supporting researchers’ professional and career development
To support our PIs specifically-tailored sessions which offer a practical mix of Lancaster-based information and leadership considerations are being held. These will be linked both to the new Concordat, grounded in good research practice and based on feedback from existing PIs about the needs and gaps that they have identified in their own practice.
Understanding the new role of the principal investigator (both academic and managerial)
Realising the importance of values in research
Leading a research team - purpose and vision
Growing a high-performance and supportive research team culture
Good supervisory and managerial practice
Understanding delegation
Support and challenge – career development thinking for research leaders
Thinking bigger – collaborations and network-building
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. To register your interest please contact OD.
Workshop aim
The University’s aim is that all candidates have a positive and equitable experience at all stages of recruitment and selection process.
This workshop aims to ensure that participants are equipped with the understanding, knowledge and skills to undertake fair and equitable recruitment and selection, ensuring that all candidates have a positive experience, and the best candidate is ultimately selected.
Target audience
All panel chairs and all members of the recruiting panel are required to participate in Recruiting the Best training prior to engaging in any recruitment activity at the University.
Panel chairs need to attend the Recruiting the best workshop. The workshops are held throughout the year. Panel chairs that have previously attended a workshop are required to take the Recruiting the Best online refresher course every three years to be kept abreast of best practice and legislative changes.
Panel members can participate in Recruiting the Best training in one of two ways. They can either attend the Recruiting the best workshop, if places are available, or they can complete the Recruiting the Best online refresher course as an alternative.
The refresher online training is to be completed every three years to be kept abreast of best practice and legislative changes.'
Objectives
This workshop ensures that all those involved in recruitment:
Understand how to remain compliant by adopting legally informed best practice approaches throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
Understand how to plan and conduct the key stages involved in the successful attraction, selection of the best candidate, including:
Designing a role that meets the needs of the department / division
Writing the job description, person specification and advert
Attracting a broad and diverse range of strong applicants
Recognise how unconscious bias can impact on our decisions and identify positive steps to mitigate unconscious bias throughout the process
Conducting equitable shortlisting
Designing and conducting effective interviews and assessment centres
Candidate scoring and final decision making
Making the offer and giving objective feedback to candidates
Dates
The sessions in 2024/25 will be a full day and held face to face. Please click on the links below to book your place. Please note that places on these events are limited and in high demand. We ask that you only book a place if you have recruitment activity coming up in the near future.
You are recommended to read the Lancaster University Recruitment & Selection Guidelines, available on the people section of the staff intranet and prepare any questions this raises – there will be a short opportunity with a HR Partner within the workshop to help you answer these.
This online training is designed to help staff develop the best practice for recruiting and vetting individuals working and volunteering with children and adults at risk. This session is targeted at line managers of staff in roles where they could potentially be working with adults or children at risk and all roles which require a DBS check.
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.
The following Leadership and Management apprenticeships are available:
Level 3 Team Leader
This is suitable for a team leader/supervisor or could be suitable for an individual that is looking to move into a line management role in the future.
Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager
This is suitable for Operations or Departmental Managers, who have direct line management responsibility for teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisation's strategy. They should be accountable to a more senior manager or a business owner.
Comprehensive information on apprenticeships for staff wishing to begin an apprenticeship and their managers is available on the intranet pages.