University's first Springboard programme - a huge success

Tuesday, 28 May 2013

From left to right: trainer Chris Cross, and some of the candidates, Steph Weller, Joan McCormack, Katherine Shaw, and Professor Dianne Berry who presented the certificates

Several female members of staff became the first in the University to complete the Springboard Programme this month.

Springboard is an award-winning personal and professional development programme, designed and developed by women for women.

The Springboard Programme helps women develop a range of aims such as having clear direction in their career and life, to set goals and achieve them and to communicate more assertively. The programme enables staff to develop to their fullest potential.

The course was led by Chris Cross, trainer in personal and professional development, arc-en-ciel. "A large group of women joined the Springboard programme with a range of aims," said Chris.

"After three months, they felt more positive and constructive about challenges they faced - and more determined to move forward on the goals they had identified. The mix of academic and non-academic women meant that they understood more about other peoples' roles and the opportunity to network and support each other was a real benefit. Continuing to network and stay in touch is an aim for many of the women."

At a celebratory event held at London Road, the University's Springboard graduates were awarded their certificates by Professor Diane Berry, Director of Postgraduate Research Studies and Researcher Development.