LPDC Consultancy

LPDC specialists work with managers and leaders to develop bespoke solutions to meet a range of development needs that may arise related to, for example:

  • Organisational development / change initiatives
  • Team building and team development needs to enhance performance
  • Particular issues within the workplace impacting on individual or team effectiveness and sustainability
  • Bespoke development needs related to individuals and individual roles.

We approach each assignment by initially developing a good understanding of requirements through a scoping conversation and additional analysis, as appropriate.  Once we have a clear understanding of the particular issues and development needs we develop a proposal to address the identified need/s in line with desired outcomes. 

At this stage we identify who is best placed to deliver the proposed activity.  This may be internal capacity from within the LPDC or wider university; alternatively, if we do not have the capability or capacity to meet the delivery needs and/or timescale, we will commission delivery of the proposal through trusted external resources.

When the bespoke solution has been delivered, or at interim points for extensive work, we assess the effectiveness of the activity and what impact it has had/is having.

We work in an authentic and ethical manner with all consultancy clients.  We:

  • Make and file notes from our work with clients
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times.  Nevertheless, should we become aware of/ have evidence of issues that may result in harm to individuals or the organisation we would need to share this as appropriate.

We keep a record of all consultancy activity to develop an overview of the number, type and source of commissions, and to inform future work and work allocation.

We need to capture the impact of the work we do.  Where appropriate, and maintaining confidentiality, we may therefore ask you for a testimonial or for permission to cite our work with you as a case study.

Leadership

Leadership at all levels is important, particularly in ensuring that change works effectively and we can support you in your leadership and management role through:

  • Provision of in-house programmes founded on developing the personal skills to become an effective leader.
  • Support for staff new to leadership positions
  • The provision of specific programmes accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management which cover various aspects of leadership and management.
  • Working with Faculties to develop a Keele-based programme for prospective leaders of academic groups
  • The provision of a programme endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and management for leaders of professional groups at Keele

 

Accredited Leadership and Management Packages for Keele Staff

The Learning and Professional Development Centre runs a series of accredited programmes for staff at the University. The series is designed to provide a progression of programmes from entry level to post graduate qualifications.

The initial package consists of four credit-bearing programmes accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) or Keele University for the postgraduate certificate.

ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills

What our participants say

“The communication topic really encouraged me to reflect on how I manage my team”
 “The techniques and topics discussed have proved immediately relevant”

This is the first entry level programme designed for staff who are not yet in a first line management role but who may aspire to such a position or newly appointed team leaders with no previous leadership training. It is a general introduction to the principles of leadership and management with on emphasis on the Keele context for a team leader.  It focuses on building a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities and expectations of a first line leader, the part they play in ensuring effective communication within the team, practical issues concerning leading their team through change situations, and approaches to working with conflict and disagreements in teams. The intention of the programme is to give an understanding of what it is to be a first line leader and help individuals to build an action plan for developing the skills required to become a leader.

The three module programme consists of a half day briefing session, two one-day workshops, two half-day workshops, and two tutorial sessions followed by an assessment for each of the modules. Successful participants will gain the Level 2 Award which carries a three credit rating, plus an additional one unit credit.

ILM Level 3 Award/Certificate in Leadership and Management

As a result of changes made by the Institute to this Level 3 programme, in 2013 we are able to offer the choice to participants of working towards an Award or Certificate qualification during this programme.  All participants must attend all three days whether they opt for the Award or Certificate. However, those choosing the Certificate route will be required to undertake a set of assignments that incorporate 7 units, rather than the 2 units required for the Award.

Participants do not have to commit to a choice on applying for the programme. A detailed explanation of the two routes will be given by the facilitators during the introductory session on the first day, after which, you will be required to indicate your choice.

About the workshops

This leadership and management programme consists of 3 one-day workshops with on-line tutorial support.  It is a practical course providing people with the opportunity to explore management skills, develop new techniques and consider how they can apply these ideas to their own workplace.  Highly practical in its delivery, this programme is underpinned with well researched and universally recognised leadership and management theory.  It is not the intention of the programme to make people just understand management. Instead, we want participants to build on their own management style and make a practical difference in the way they lead and supervise those they work with.

Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management (Keele University)

This programme is delivered as part of Keele Management School's Graduate Programme. It is intended for staff who are experienced or newly promoted middle managers.

The programme aims to provide a managerial tool-kit and an environment where ideas can be shared and explored through collaborative development and delivery. 

It is delivered over 14 Saturdays over a 10 month period thereby minimising the impact on the working week.  The taught elements begin in September and finish with the presentation day in June. It comprises of three 15 credit modules which are chosen out of four on offer plus a 15 credit Certificate Project.   

An accumulation of 60 credits leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management. 

All modules except for the Certificate Project are assessed by a 2,500 word work-based project and a 1,500 word reflective assignment.  The Certificate project is an opportunity to bring together learning and experience to tackle a business situation within your own organisation or on a subject you are interested in.  The subject matter will be agreed between you and your personal supervisor.  It is assessed by the submission of a 1,500 word work based project.

ILM Level 3 Award in Workplace Coaching

The Centre has restaged an ILM Level 3 Award in Workplace Coaching. The programme consists of a short briefing session (December), one two-day workshop and two one-day workshops, tutorials, and work-based coaching practice. Participants are required to submit a coaching diary, work-based assignment report and book review for assessment. Successful  participants will receive the Level 3 Award which carries an eight credit rating. Staff interested in this programme, please contact Neil Oliver ext: 34154 or by email: a.n.oliver@per.keele.ac.uk

Other Leadership Initiatives

Leading Academic Groups

Leading Academic Groups is an innovative development programme for academics with a practical interest in developing their skills in leading academic groups at all levels. The programme offers a framework of development activities which will be integrated within the normal work pattern of the individual in order that the development becomes embedded within the context of the individual’s work and the Keele context. The programme spans a period of approximately twelve months and features access to a wide range of learning and development experiences.

 The approach:

 Provides a focus on building potential for future leaders

  • Meets differing needs within the Faculties and the cohort
  • Gives access to variety of different learning experiences
  • Places an important emphasis on the key role of Faculty Deans and Senior Managers in supporting prospective leaders
  • Gives an experience which focuses on professional development while encouraging personal development for the individual
  • Offers a sustainable development experience which is motivating and provides an insight into the leadership experience

 This programme is not run annually. It is staged to meet demand and in support of significant academic priorities.

 

 Leading Professionals

This programme is intended for managers of administrative functions across the University at Grade 7 or 8. The programme offers a framework of leadership development activities which are integrated within the normal work pattern of the individual in order that the development becomes embedded within the context of the individual’s work and the Keele context. The programme spans a period of approximately nine months and incorporates access to a wide range of learning and development experiences. The main elements of the programme are:

  1. Leadership in Context
  2. Leading People
  3. Leading Change and Innovation
  4. Strategic Leadership
  5. Leading within Partnerships
  6. Finance and Marketing for Leaders

 Together with structured workshops, a variety of development opportunities are offered in this programme. These include:

  • Completion of a Leadership Key Behaviours Inventory with your line manager or coach
  • Reflection on personal preferences and styles of leadership and development through Myers Briggs Type (MBTI) profiling (individuals are asked to complete a preference type profile questionnaire)
  • A core programme of modules common to all participants
  • Working with a coach / mentor over the period of the programme to create, undertake and review individual action points related to leadership and management.
  • Use of existing development events currently offered within the University
  • Taking part in action learning sets
  • Experience of additional work-based approaches to development

The intention is to provide:

  • a focus on building a sound base of practical skills for leading professionals within the Keele context.
  • means of meeting differing needs within the University and the cohort
  • a variety of different learning experiences
  • an important emphasis on working in partnership with academics and driving engagement of the whole team
  • an experience which focuses on professional development while encouraging personal development for the individual
  • a sustainable development experience that is motivating and encourages participants to challenge existing cultures.

 Similar to Leading Academic Groups, this programme is run in response to demand and targeted development issues.

 

Heads of School and Research Institutes Development

Following a consultation exercise with the Leadership Foundation, LPDC has begun on-going leadership and development work with senior academic managers. This initiative has focused on facilitating a series of group discussions where Heads and RI Directors share their knowledge and experience of key leadership issues relating to their development and aspects of the Keele Strategic plan. The initiative is presently being reviewed with the participants to plan the next development stage. The fundamental objective of this work is that the Heads and Directors drive their own development.

For further details about any of the above programmes please contact Neil Oliver ext: 34154 or by email.

 

Faster Results for Accredited Programme

The Learning and Professional Development Centre has been awarded direct claim status by the Institute of Leadership and Management for the ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills, (formally Team Leading).

This means the Centre no longer has to submit sample marking from each cohort to the Institute’s external verifier before participants can receive their Award certificates. Under direct claim status, the Centre sends the Schedule of Results direct to the Institute who issue the certificates within a much reduced turnover time.

The Centre was recommended for direct claim status by Sian Hales, ILM Regional Quality Manager, on the basis of  “a robust and rigorous internal quality assurance system being in place”  for the last three years.

This year the Centre extended the provision of the Level 2 Award to the new Graduate Assistants and last year’s retiring Sabbatical Student Officers. The Centre intends to extend this offer to next year’s Assistants and Sabbaticals later in 2013.