Development Events for Assistant Deans (Subject Unit)

We are running a series of briefings and events for Assistant Deans (Subject Unit) in autumn 2011/spring 2012.  The events have been prepared following discussions with colleagues from across the College, including Executive Deans and Assistant Deans, They complement the School Executive sessions.

The first day will be particularly valuable to ADs (Subject Unit) who are new to the role, but may also benefit more established ADs who wish to review approaches and practise skills with colleagues and an experienced facilitator.  You are welcome to attend all, or some of the days. However it is recommended that Assistant Deans, appointed this year, attend the initial day.             

Aims of the events        

The aim of the events are to provide orientation and clarify the role of Assistant Deans, enhance capabilities of influencing and engaging colleagues, handling organisational politics and develop the skills needed for the Assistant Dean role.

The development events   

 These events will all take place at Birkbeck College:

a) Initial day and briefing from the Master - Thursday 10 November 2011 – (1000-1530)

The initial day includes an orientation to the programme and a briefing and discussion led by the Master of Birkbeck, Professor David Latchman.  The day includes sessions reviewing the Assistant Dean (Subject Unit) role, including expectations, challenges and critical success factors.  The event provides an opportunity to review and enhance approaches to engage and influence others.

b) Briefing about the Income Distribution Model - Monday 5 December 2011  – (1015-1115) 

This one hour briefing has been developed especially for Assistant Deans (Subject Unit) and will be lead by Nick Head, Planning and Business Systems Manager. The session will comprise of a short briefing and a question and answer session.     

c) Influencing, engaging others and handling organisational politics - Wednesday 8 February 2012 - (1000-1530)

The session provides an opportunity to enhance your capabilities in influencing and engaging colleagues and handling organisational politics as an Assistant Dean. There will be sessions looking at current challenges within the role with opportunities to share experiences with peers and review approaches.

d) Enhancing the people skills needed in the Assistant Dean Role - Wednesday 18 April 2012 - (1000-1500)

This addresses approaches to providing support, mentoring and feedback to others. This session also looks at handling conflict and challenging conversations, to ensure delivery of departmental aims and to build long term working relationships across the College.

 We will continue to develop the programme over this academic year.