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How Warwick Works

The value of the scheme:

"All universities need academics to commit to making the institution work better, and to support this, the ‘How Warwick Works’ scheme will connect you to people currently doing management jobs so that you can observe committees, gain practical insight into department financial planning and shadow a Head of Department, or a senior academic. Aimed at Professors, Readers or Associate Professors, the programme recognises that most jobs in academia involve significant elements of leadership. You will have time to reflect on your approach and that of others and have the opportunity to discuss with people already doing some of these jobs. I know that I have benefitted hugely from such shadowing activities in the past, and hope that you will give it a chance as well."

Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor

Further information

Email Professor Kate Seers - the academic lead on this scheme.

Email Anna Chapman - - Leadership Development Manager, managing the scheme.

The aim of 'How Warwick Works':

To support the career development of research and teaching focused colleagues currently at Professor, Reader or Associate Professor level (or equivalent on teaching focused or research focused contracts) in a leadership role within their department. ‘How Warwick Works’ will provide up to 12 participants with the following:
  • A greater understanding of the structures at Warwick, including its management structure
  • Specific insights into operating in leadership roles and decision-making processes
  • Increased knowledge of the broader environment within which the University of Warwick operates and the strategic management issues addressed by senior management
  • The opportunity to raise their profile among senior management
  • Increased confidence in operating at senior decision-making levels
  • Enhanced networking opportunities with members of the senior management team

Summary of the scheme:

Attendance at Warwick Committees:

We aim to offer an opportunity to sit in on one or two institutional-level Warwick committees, alongside the person you are shadowing, to gain an insight into their operation.

Introduction to Governance:

An opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the Governance structure at Warwick.

Institutional Change:

A discussion on how the university manages and consults on institutional change.

Financial Planning Workshop:

An opportunity to review and discuss what is involved in departmental/HoD financial planning at Warwick.

Mid-Term Review:

An opportunity to share insights and experiences of the scheme, including a Q&A discussion with the Provost, Chris Ennew.

Regional, National and European Engagement:

A discussion on how Warwick links with key external bodies including local and national government, major industry partners and alumni.

Shadowing:

This will involve three half-days (or meetings to a similar time-scale) of shadowing a more senior academic colleague over the autumn and spring terms. Places on the shadowing scheme will be limited and depend on the number of potential matches. The matching process will aim to find appropriate matches with senior colleagues to raise understanding and support development beyond their current position at Warwick. The person being shadowed will discuss and select which half days are most appropriate to give the person shadowing a range of experience.

Support from Senior Academic Staff

We would also like to invite Heads of Departments, Faculty Chairs, Academic Directors and (Deputy) PVCs to participate by volunteering to support the scheme and demonstrating leadership in action. This would involve being shadowed for three half days by someone who is interested in finding out more about a more senior leadership role. The person shadowing you will not be from within your department and may be from another faculty.

  Please let us know if you can support by giving us your details here.