Developing leaders and managers
11 July 2011
Certificates were awarded to: Left to right Lynne Smith (Campus Services Division), Rhodri Baker (School of Physics & Astronomy), Michelle Smith (School of Nursing & Midwifery Studies), Steve Williams (Campus Services Division), Scott Andrews (Centre for Lifelong Learning), Nick Sharratt (Research and Commercial Division) Front centre Barbara Tomlin (School of Journalism, Media & Cultural Studies)
Staff from across the University have gathered to celebrate Cardiff’s commitment to creating a positive working environment through developing leadership and management capability.
More than 70 members of academic and support staff were invited to The Annual Leadership Awards Ceremony earlier this month to receive their certificates from the Vice- Chancellor, Dr David Grant.
The event marked the successful completion of Leadership and Management Development Programmes completed during 2010 / 2011.
Dr Grant congratulated them on their achievement and urged them to continue to be ambitious in their leadership, he said: “The Leadership and Management Development Programmes build confidence in staff to apply their knowledge and understanding and turn challenge into foresight.
“I urge all awardees to be ambitious in their leadership, particularly during these uncertain times. Through our continued investment in our people I believe the University can turn this period of change into one of great opportunity.”
Since 2007 more than 400 members of staff have successfully completed at least one of the four programmes. These programmes provide leadership and management development opportunities for staff from all areas and all disciplines of the University.
The courses on offer include a Heads of Schools Development Programme which aims to engage and assist newly appointed Heads of Schools as they face the challenges of leadership and the change agenda. There are also programmes for research team leaders, first-time line managers and staff that already have significant leadership and management roles.
For John Evans, School Manager in the School of Computer Science & Informatics, the Practical Leadership for University Management (PLUM) course has proved extremely valuable to both his personal development and his work within the School, he said: “I had completed the Leading and Managing Teams course some time ago and found that really helpful. I wanted to take my understanding to the next level so decided to enrol on the Practical Leadership for University Management course.
“The most important thing the course has taught me is the range of management skills that are available and the different scenarios that can arise in the work place. For me, the highlight was working with others from across the University and learning how people deal with everything work throws at us.”
Annika Axelsen from the Student Support Centre was one of more than 50 members of staff who successfully completed the Leading and Managing Teams programme. Talking about what she’s taken away from the course Annika said: “I’ve learnt that communication is key to everything and that not everyone is a born leader but we can all take steps to becoming better managers with greater leadership qualities.
“The practical nature of the course (including trying to resolve scenarios and learn from them) means that the learning is very accessible. Even if you have managed for a few years I would recommend the course as by taking part you may realise the approach you have used in the past might not necessarily be the approach you always use in the future.
“As a result of going on the course I feel more confident in my management abilities and when difficult situations arise I can refer back to some of the knowledge I learnt on the course. Even better is being able to address any minor issues before they turn into larger problems.”
If you would like further information about the range of leadership programmes please contact Martin Udwin in Organisational Development, Human Resources on ext: 79232 or email: UdwinM@cardiff.ac.uk
