cpd25 Meeting of the Career Development Task Group
14^th November 2007, 10.30 am, Senate House Library

In attendance: David Gee (Chair), Diana Herman, Antony Loveland, Kelly Travers, Suzy Ball (Administrator)

Apologies: Vivien Robertson, Liz Annetts

1. Chartership Programme:
David noted that the programme had been organised in good time, once again, this year and thanked everyone for their contribution.

The administrator updated the group on the booking figures for this year. So far there are approximately 15 bookings for the entire series with, an additional, 3-5 individuals booking for each workshop. The decision had been taken, as a result of the course having a higher than usual amount of places still available in October, to widen the audience and advertise the series as being suitable for a variety of Library staff and not just those seeking chartership status.

The group debated the possible reasons for the reduced bookings, including how it reflects on the chartership qualification and the profession as a whole, and agreed that the series may need to be altered in light of possible alteration to the CILIP framework of qualifications. The programme is seen as valuable by those that attend and it will kept by the group in some form whilst examining the scope for extending some of the workshops in the future.

2. Exchange scheme
David moved the introductory talk about the scheme to the ‘Forum’ chartership workshop following a series of problems with the consortium website server. Prompted by Kelly, the group discussed ideas around broadening the scheme to include those not seeking chartership, whether the length of the exchange should be reduced or negotiable and the issue of introducing manager to manager contact. The administration of the scheme would be impacted upon by all of these elements. 

3. Seminar Programme
Applying to LIS – The event went very well and the feedback was positive. 37 people attended and this meant that all costs were covered and a small surplus made. Antony has secured a commitment to attend the event next year from several of the speakers and the 08/09 event will also include a distance learning or part time study element.

Development day for Library Assistants – This event is almost fully booked and four people have chosen the half-day option and will attend the afternoon session only.

SDO / Review Day – The fee will remain at £35 and Antony and Liz are meeting in January to plan the morning session. The group may pay for high quality speakers even if this means the event loses money as it was felt that the SDO is an important part of the events calendar that should aim to draw as many member institution staff development officers as possible. Suzy will make enquiries about the Council Room at King’s

The fellowship, mentoring and revalidation seminars will not run this year because of perceived lack of demand. It may be that they can run every other year in future

4. Visits
Ministry of Defence – Antony to arrange in either late spring or early summer.

RIBA­ – Suzy reported the news from Vivien that there will be a £5 per person charge for this visit. Initially one visit is to be arranged for April with a follow up if demand is strong.

Warburg Institute­ – David to arrange, possibly for the 9^th May 2008.

5. A.O.B
David suggested that the group schedule a meeting for March in order to debate the future of the chartership series, work exchange scheme and other ways to improve areas of the 08/09 programme.

Next meeting: 2.30 pm, 4.3.08, University of Westminster.