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Postdoc Academy

 

We offer a number of workshops and masterclasses that will help you develop your leadership skills.

In addition, you have the opportunity to apply for a place on the Leadership in Action course, a more intensive training opportunity with very limited places.

If you have any questions, please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

 

Leadership in Action

Leadership in Action is a nationally recognised, practical training programme delivered online in collaboration with several other institutions (including hosts King's College London and University College London).

This programme offers a unique opportunity to reshape your ideas about being a leader and expand your leadership skills, supported by experienced coaches and fellow researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

The programme will also help you to:

  • understand the impact of leadership styles on those being led
  • influence people towards a common goal/purpose
  • receive feedback on your own leadership styles and identify how these can be developed further
  • engage with researchers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and career stages.

We are now accepting applications for the next round of Leadership in Action - apply by 12pm on Monday 8 January 2024.

Find out more about the course and how to apply below.

 

What happens during the course?

This course will support you to develop a range of leadership skills through the act of applying them, rather than focusing on leadership theory.

Some of the core features are:

 

Activities

The course is based around seven activities, the first six of which are designed to explore a different aspect of leadership and provide a practical insight into how leadership works. 

In the final activity, you will address a leadership activity that you can continue beyond the course. 

You will work with others in teams of six with a coach to help you make sense of the activities.

 

Buddies and home groups

Throughout the course you will work alongside your "buddy", who is another course participant. Together you will share your experiences and provide mutual support, developing key co-coaching skills in the process. 

You will also have a “home group” where you consolidate your learning.

 

Resilient leadership 

Underlying everything is the Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework you can use to support your learning.

 

When is it happening?

Dates for the spring session are: 

  • 21 February 2024 
  • 22 February 2024 
  • 23 February 2024 
  • 28 February 2024 
  • 29 February 2024 
  • 1 March 2024 
  • 6 March 2024 
  • 7 March 2024 
  • 8 March 2024 

Sessions run from 09:30-12:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Full attendance at all sessions is mandatory (9 sessions in total). 

 

How to apply

There are six spaces for Cambridge postdocs in this round, which are available on a competitive basis.

Interested postdocs must submit an application, including a 200-word statement of why you wish to participate. Should the course be oversubscribed we will use this statement to decide between applicants.

Please consider your statement carefully as we are looking for evidence of your commitment to the course and an understanding of what it might give you and how you would benefit.

 

Apply here for the next round of Leadership in Action by 12pm on Monday 8 January 2024.

 

Institutions involved

Postdocs from the following institutions will be participating in Leadership in Action: 

  • Imperial College London
  • King’s College London
  • University of Bath
  • University College London
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of York

 

Participant feedback

"The programme helps to build a leader inside you … you are exposed to becoming a better leader."

"An intense three days that will reshape your ideas about being a leader."

"A great opportunity to try out leadership skills in a supportive environment."