Professional Services Staff
Co-chairs: Claire McDonald, Jane Hodge
Aims
The primary aim of the subgroup is to enhance career development and progression opportunities for Professional Services Staff (PSS) within WMS. This includes embedding clear processes for gaining leadership experience, participating in stretch assignments, and accessing secondment opportunities. Establishing job families and career pathways is a key focus to help PSS colleagues expand their skills, knowledge, and job satisfaction. Another aim is to increase awareness and uptake of training, mentoring, and leadership programs, ensuring that PSS staff can grow professionally. WMS also seeks to align its efforts with broader institutional strategies, such as the People Strategy, to ensure consistency and long-term impact.
Activities/ Achievements
Significant strides have been made to support PSS career development. Over 240 staff have benefited from workshops on skills development, leadership, networking, and mentoring since 2022. Shadowing opportunities are now integrated into directorates as part of career planning, while mentoring and coaching schemes have been widely promoted through university-wide platforms. New leadership and management courses launched in 2023 have been actively promoted, along with extensive career development resources like the MindTools platform. These initiatives have improved awareness and participation in professional development activities, laying the groundwork for long-term career progression within WMS and beyond.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the subgroup plans to strengthen the career development framework by analysing feedback from managers and staff surveys to identify additional workshops and activities. There will be a continued focus on promoting mentoring and coaching opportunities, including training for staff to become mentors or coaches. Shadowing schemes will be expanded and their success monitored to ensure alignment with career progression goals. WMS also aims to increase engagement with professional development through Personal Development Reviews (PDRs) and align its activities with the new People Strategy. These efforts will ensure PSS staff have the tools and opportunities needed to thrive and advance in their careers.