Gain an Insight
11 Feb 2010
Opportunities for PSS staff to spend time in another role or team
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the Alumni or Research Office, or in faculty or school administration?
A new initiative currently being piloted within Professional Support Services (PSS) gives PSS staff the chance to spend time in another division or unit.
As well as a providing a development opportunity, the scheme aims to build on the strong sense of collegiality within the PSS, improve awareness of what other areas of the PSS do, help retain staff and encourage better flow of information between units through increased face-to-face contact.
The scheme has two elements:
- Insights where staff spend time in another office which might include a meeting with the head of unit, attendance at a team meeting, informal meetings with staff with differing responsibilities within units or work shadowing for example, assisting with a specific task or project.
- Team Swaps involve two colleagues in similar roles in different units attending respective meetings for a set period to bring a different perspective, identify common issues and share best practice.
The types of opportunities available include working on printed publications and the production of a short video in the Communications, Media and PR division; spending a day with a HR Assistant in MHS or the Head of the Teaching & Learning Support Office; and volunteering in the community with staff and students on the Manchester Leadership Programme (MLP).
The initiative has been developed by a small Task Group comprising representatives of PSS staff working in schools, faculties and central units. The group’s work was informed by a number of successful insights and team swaps in the PSS that have already taken place.
Welcoming the new scheme Registrar & Secretary, Albert McMenemy said: “Insights and team swaps are an excellent opportunity to get first hand experience of the roles of other staff and the work of other teams within the PSS. I would encourage all staff who are interested to visit the website to find out if there might be opportunities that would help their own development.“
The opportunities will be available until 31 July 2010 after which the pilot will be evaluated and a decision taken on rolling out the scheme out to a wider group of staff.
For further information, go to: