Minutes of the Personal Effectiveness & Management Group 12th June 2003, 3pm to 5pm University of Westminster

Present:

Judith Cattermole (chair), Elaine Salter, Val Straw, David Ward and Caroline Holebrook (administrator)

Jacky Camroux & David McGrath

2. Minutes of the last Meeting

The minutes were accepted as a correct record

3. Matters arising

Judith thanked and congratulated the group for their hard work and a very successful first year.

4. Review of latest events

Managing Absence
Caroline was able to report that this event was extremely successful. The trainer, Robert Still, was excellent and all the delegates felt they had got an enormous amount of useful and practical advice from the day.

Time Management
This event used a new trainer, Ash Charlton from ACE. At the time of the meeting the event had not taken place but I can report now that the day was extremely successful. In spite of the very hot room Ash managed to keep 20 delegates engaged and motivated all day. It was a very impressive seminar.

Imperial War Museum
This was a fascinating visit to an amazing collection. The Library was in the middle of their annual stock check that meant we had access to the reading room without disturbing the general public. Everyone really enjoyed the visit and we took the opportunity to have a walk round the Museum as well.

5. CPD25 New Programme

Management Skills Workshop
The group decided that as this series of workshops had been so oversubscribed it would be worthwhile running it again this year. It was agreed that the timing for the event was an important factor and should be kept the same. Action: Elaine to contact Hudson River to confirm dates

Senior Management Skills Workshop
This was a more challenging event to create. The group agreed that there were enough issues to justify a four-day programme. The days would need to be individual workshops in their own right but there should be a progression for those who chose to do all of them. The group felt that Managers should be able to pick and mix days to suit their requirements. The days should be spaced about 10 to 14 days apart. Action: Elaine to contact Hudson Rivers to arrange the programme specifications and possible dates.

Managing Absence
This event was so valuable it was felt that it was important to re-run it for the community. Now the group was aware of the quality of the trainer, Robert Still, the advertising could be more specific and give a clearer outline of the day and its aims. Action: Judith to contact Robert Still - dates in March/April

Evaluation of Training
The group decided that the issue of evaluating training had not been satisfactorily explored in the Training the Trainers day. Judith had heard a very successful presentation at Middlesex about Teaching and Learning skills evaluation. Judith had heard Chris Powis speak on the same subject. Action: Val to contact speakers for an event - half day - in November.

Coping at the Counter
The group felt this event should be aimed at Issue Desk staff and also IT helpdesk staff. The group wanted to cover issues such as: 1. Interpersonal skills 2. Managing/resolving conflict 3. Anger Management 4. Managing Student expectations David had heard an excellent speaker, Julie Parry, and thought she would give a useful seminar. The group felt this would make a whole day event. Jacky Camroux will be convenor for this event. This event will run in October. Action: David to give Caroline Julie Parry's details Action: Caroline to give Jacky the brief for the event.

Emotional Intelligence
This topic has been run by CALIM and the group agreed it was an interesting area that had not been covered in London. David Ward will be the convenor for this event. The event will be run after Easter 2004 and will be a whole day. It was felt the event should appeal to all levels of staff Action: Caroline to send David details of CALIM event

Managing Change
The group want to tackle this from the individuals' perspective. Judith had a contact, Sue Hill, who she would give the details for. It was expected that this event would take a full day in early June 2004. David McGrath will convene this event. Action: Judith to give Sue Hill's details to Caroline Action: Caroline to give David the brief for the event.

Visits

Guardian Archive
The group felt a return visit to see the progress of this new archive would be very interesting. The visit should be made in December. Val would contact the Archive Action: Val to contact the Guardian Archive to arrange a visit(s)

National Archive
The group felt this new incarnation of the Public Record Office would be a useful and informative visit. The visit will be in April or May. Judith would convene this visit. Action: Judith to contact the National Archive

6. Any other business

Caroline raised the possibility of recruiting Chartership candidates to partner Task Group members. The group felt this would be a good idea so Caroline agreed to try to find Chartership candidates that might be interested.

7. Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be at University of Westminster 3pm to 5pm on 9th October 2003 CH 26/06/03