This is a quick update following the gathering of participants, mentors and others at the conclusion of the 2017 workshop series, including the key dates for 2017-18.
1) This year’s participants were as positive as ever, citing the most rewarding aspects of the programme as:
a) The dedicated time, support and insight to take more active control of their career development.
b) The insight into the situation of their peers at other institutions: just like us!
As ever, different parts of the programme had different value for different people, and there was still unevenness about the contribution of the role models, but overall it was hugely beneficial. Forming a Bath cohort to travel together also seems to have been very useful.
2) The University will take part in the programme again next year, with a very similar application process, as it’s considered pretty robust. We will add more structure and firmer expectations about taking part in scheduled preparation and feedback meetings, be more systematic in our support for mentoring, and firm up the expectation for sponsoring managers to be involved in supporting the ongoing development of participants on return.
3) During 2017-18 we will review the University’s participation in Aurora in more depth, testing the impact it has had on individuals and the organisation and what we can do to take things forward. It is likely that the LFHE will change Aurora in some way after next year, the final one of the original commitment, but it will still be part of their programme.
KEY DATES FOR 2017-18
18 September Publicity and call for applications
23 October Closing date for applications
14 November Selection panel meeting
10 January Cohort and mentor preparation meeting
31 January Cardiff workshop series
28 February
21 March
26 April
23 May
5 June Reflection and celebration meeting
Respond