Lancaster has fully embraced a coaching and mentoring culture with a variety of options and opportunities to include coaching and mentoring into all aspects of University life. Most OD development programmes have a coaching element embedded and there are many skills workshops and a certificate in coaching to support these initiatives at all levels.
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.
The development programme comprises the following elements outlined in the .
HoD Workshops
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.
Calendar Invites will be sent directly to the Heads of Department.
- Legal Responsibilities - Health and Safety
- Academic Promotions
- Academic Probation
- Student Support Structures
- Finance and Budgeting
- Legal Responsibilities - Corporate Governance
- Legal Responsibilities - Staff and Students
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 senior academic and professional services 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.
This training supports 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.
For more information and training dates for PDR's, please see the PDR Reviewer training pages.
The Staff Development Portal acts as a hub for wider, institutional development.
