The Head of Department (HoD) development programme aims to equip new HoDs, through a tailored programme of blended development interventions, with the knowledge, underpinning understanding and associated skills and behaviours aligned to the role.
The programme is appropriate for newly appointed HoDs, deputy HoDs and academics who may be considering applying for the role within the next year.
The development programme comprises the following elements outlined below. Dates for any upcoming events/workshops are shown.
HoD induction
The induction event aims to clarify the role and expectations of the academic leader, within the context of the University strategy and to prepare new HoDs for the different leadership and management aspects of the role. The induction workshop facilitates networking, sharing practice and action planning with colleagues from different areas and provides the opportunity to hear from senior academic leaders and current HoDs about their personal approaches, challenges and lessons learned in respect of the role.
Coaching
One to one coaching is available for all HoDs to support you in your role. Information about Coaching can be accessed via the coaching webpages.
To book a coach please contact: Jean Bennett
Mentoring
Mentoring can support your learning and development throughout your career, particularly when you take on increased responsibilities such as the HoD role. A mentor can help you to think through strategic decisions and reflect on issues that you encounter. Its benefits include improving your understanding of the working environment, skills development, increased motivation and boosting confidence.
To access a mentor please contact: Jean Bennett
HoD Workshops:
The workshop series covers the essentials that incoming HoDs, Associate Deans and Professional Services Directors need to know.
- HR System Demonstration - a walkthrough of the HR systems approval processes and departmental data access, including self-service reporting and the Lancaster University Workforce Profile tool. There are no sessions currently scheduled, a recording is available upon request. Please contact OD.
- Health and Safety This session will explore what managing health and safety risks to staff and students means in practice, talk through some of the key actions and sources of support HoDs should be aware of and look at the importance of leadership in safety culture.
- Academic Promotions - provides clarification on the academic promotion process, including roles, responsibilities and timelines. Guidance for HoD’s on reviewing applications, writing supporting statements, providing guidance and giving feedback to applicants.
- Academic Probation - provides clarification of the academic probation process and the manager’s role. Guidance in how to manage the process, including writing effective and meaningful probationary agreements. Also appropriate to PI’s who are responsible for managing probationers.
- Student Support Structures This session will provide an overview of the University’s student support structures and the role of departments, colleges and central Student Wellbeing Services.
- Academic staff teaching qualifications and development - This session provides information about the University’s expectations for academic staff teaching qualifications, guidance about appropriate pathways of professional development for academic probation, and introduces the range of wider development that can support individual and group education and curriculum practice.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Managers This session provide an overview of legal requirements, the importance of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, EDI work/activities across the University and practical considerations for managers.
- Finance and Budgeting This workshop explains the Finance Strategy for Lancaster University. Outlining the macro context by explaining how the economic and political environment impact on the sector; the financial implications of this for Lancaster including the rationale for financial decision-making and the strategic priorities for the University going forward. Please note that this session is only for HoDs. Book Thursday 9th May 2024, 10am-11.30am (In-Person)
- Legal Responsibilities - Corporate Governance This session covers the legal and regulatory frameworks for Higher Education and governance for Lancaster University. It covers the HoD role with respect to this framework, including GDPR, data protection, freedom of information and prevention. Book Friday 24th May 2024, 1.30pm-3pm (In-Person)
- Legal Responsibilities - Staff and Students This session covers the legal framework and HoD responsibility with respect to managing staff and students, covering safeguarding in HEIs, the Equality Act, relevant employment law and policies and procedures and the support available. Book Wednesday 10th July 2024, 10am-11.30am (In-Person)
Research Support
The Research Support Office provide Information and Guidance specifically for HoD's, please see the useful documents linked from this webpage.
For specific advice and guidance please contact your Faculty Contacts. The Faculty Research Development Partnership Manager will conduct an induction with all new HoD's.
For general enquiries regarding HoD development, please email OD.
A Managers Handbook has been developed to support senior academic and professional services leaders and managers to feel effective in their role, with appropriate signposts for further information and support. The handbook will be useful if you are a new Head of Department and will be a key point of reference beyond.
There is a comprehensive range of resources available in the Management Resources - self-directed study section.