Continuing Professional Development Unit welcomes Ellen Parkes

We would like to welcome and introduce Ellen Parkes the new Business Development Manager in the Continuing Professional Development Unit.

“I am particularly excited to have joined a CPD team that has successfully achieved the customer service excellence award based on taking a client centred approach to all their activities and processes. I have seen first-hand the positive influence that practical and engaging training programmes can have on a workplace, as well as the impact it can have in disseminating academic research to the wider community. If any researchers, academics or professional services staff reading this have an interest in exploring links with industry and training delivery but are not sure where to start please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me so that we can discuss how the CPD Unit can support you (train@cardiff.ac.uk)”

Ellen joined the team on the 27 March having previously worked in international student recruitment/marketing for both Cardiff University and the University of Bristol. Her nine years as a careers consultant also provided extensive experience of developing and delivering training on both accredited and non-accredited programmes, as well as project managing improvements in service provision. Ellen is responsible for supporting colleagues in the development and delivery of CPD activities and will be the principle liaison between the CPD Unit and the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.  Her approach is to develop collaborative partnerships with client organisations and colleagues, in order to fully understand individual development needs and deliver flexible and tailored learning solutions.

This appointment will bring new expertise to the CPD Unit, which provides a range of opportunities for businesses including short courses, specialist training, bespoke opportunities and blended learning solutions.  The Unit offers a gateway to the wide range of expertise available within Cardiff University, working with academic staff to facilitate the dissemination of the University’s research and knowledge to the business community. The team have a wealth of experience at developing and delivering successful CPD activities through an annual open programme and working with businesses and academic schools on bespoke CPD courses.