Springboard: "a free exchange which is refreshing and liberating"
Friday, 08 March 2019
The Springboard Women's Development Programme enables women to take more control over their own lives and careers and is for women of all backgrounds, ages and stages of their life. The programme combines the attendance of four full day workshops, completion of a workbook, networking and co-coaching. We caught up with Sararh Harford, a previous programme participant:
“The programme was recommended by my line manager who had been on the programme before. My attendance on the course has been noted by her and has subsequently included in my professional development.
“Four days on a course might seem boring or make you lose interest but the course convenor was inspirational. Formation of home groups within the cohort created a sense of camaraderie which in turn led to the formation of a bond of trust. This, combined with the confidentiality, led to a free exchange which was quite refreshing and liberating.
“I feel that the course achieved its stated aims of improving communication, making participants more confident, helping us to focus on goals for work and life, and, in particular, create new support networks and contacts across the university. The majority of my cohort were non-academic staff so it was very useful in knitting together community and building a friendship group.
"Whilst on the programme, my line manager arranged cover for me, which made me feel valued and that the university was concerned about my professional development.”
Sarah Harford is an ISLC course tutor in the International Language Study Institute. We've been hearing from those who have been on the programme:
Springboard: "building confidence in my new role and myself"
Springboard: "a support mechanism in my professional and personal life"
If you'd like to apply please email Steph Hayward in People Development and include the following: a short statement (one page maximum) explaining why you want to join the programme and what you hope to get out of it; a short statement from your line manager supporting your application and agreeing to your attendance on all four days and the follow-up day and confirmation that you will be able to commit to attending the four workshops that will run on the following dates (all 09:30-16:00): 30 April, 21 May, 18 June and 9 July. The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 22 March 2019 for all hoping to take part in the programme.