Leadership Development for Heads of Discipline* Head of Discipline is a key position in any College and the range of tasks can be varied and challenging. In response to feedback, we are developing a structured training programme to provide better support for those stepping into this role. The programme aims to: - Help Heads of Discipline understand the context in which they are working: what is expected of them and the implications for them as leaders. - Develop a community of practice: to meet, exchange ideas and solve problems. - Provide opportunities to share, make sense of and reflect upon individual challenges with a coach. - And ultimately, bring greater consistency to the way subject disciplines are led across the University; our standards and reputation rest on the success of this role. The shape of training to come We’ve looked at best practice in the sector, talked with a group of Exeter Heads of Discipline and listened to the views of Pro-Vice-Chancellors. Our development programme will have three strands: Induction Leadership 1:1 and networking This training is designed for anyone new or relatively new to the role of Head of Discipline. Starting with induction, the training programme will be introduced in phases between May 2016 and Easter 2017. See overleaf for more details. Launch event 20th MAY 3.15 – 4.45pm Reed Hall Come along to our launch event to hear two senior academics share their perspectives, and network with fellow Heads of Discipline. ‘The role of our Heads of Discipline in delivering our strategic ambitions’ A Deputy Vice-Chancellor describes the implications of the strategic context ‘If I knew then what I know now...’ A former Head of Discipline shares her experience and learning with the benefit of hindsight TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE EMAIL: peopledevelopment@exeter.ac.uk Sponsored by Debra Myhill Course Leader Angie Allcock, Head of People Development *or Heads of Department (Business School) Induction From May 2016 Three two-hour lunchtime sessions delivered by internal experts, will be repeated in the autumn term. Content exploring the implications of the Head of Discipline role in relation to: - managing people and performance - understanding institutional governance and planning - understanding finance. Leadership 1:1 and networking From summer 2016 From autumn 2016 Four short modules will be delivered by experienced leadership facilitators and are designed to allow space to develop and practice key skills and techniques in a supportive, interactive workshop with peers. By the end of the programme, participants will have a greater awareness of their leadership style and new techniques for: shaping the vision and structure for their discipline; and managing departments and performance effectively. We are developing four short modules covering: - l eading academic teams in the context of HE and Exeter - influencing skills, bringing others with you -h andling difficult conversations - r esilience, wellbeing, managing time and workloads. Optional extras: To complement the leadership workshops there will be opportunities to share, make sense of and reflect upon individual strengths and challenges through: - 1:1 sessions with an Executive Coach - either a network of Heads of Discipline or an ‘Action Learning’ set** - access to a range of psychometrics/ diagnostics and self-assessment. Booking and information We will email you soon with dates and booking details for the induction sessions. Meanwhile, for further queries, please contact a.allcock@exeter.ac.uk or peopledevelopment@exeter.ac.uk **Action learning is a process working on real challenges, using the knowledge and skills of a small group of people combined with skilled questioning, to produce fresh ideas and reinterpret familiar concepts.