The five departments of the Education Directorate (ED) – Centre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE), E-Learning, Quality Assurance and Compliance Office (QACO), Student Learning Advisory Service (SLAS) and Student Success Central Team (SSCT) – came together for their first directorate Away Day in November. During the half-day event, 37 staff shared collective experiences, explored synergies, identified opportunities for collaborative working to meet strategic targets and outlined ways to raise the profile of the Education Directorate across the university.
Directorate overview, celebrate success and future plans
Louise Naylor, Director of Education opened the day by sharing her insights into the University of Kent’s performance in the National Student Survey 2022 and the upcoming TEF 2023 submission. Louise mapped out key milestones and plans for collaboration across the Directorate.
Each department manager was set the challenging task to present key achievements and departmental plans in only ten minutes and with just two slides! These whistlestop presentations offered an insight into the work of each department and afforded the chance to acknowledge each teams’ contribution to the success of the Directorate.
Participation and intent
Following the presentations, department managers hosted informal interactive ‘Stop, Start, Continue’ group workshop sessions based around four themes: ‘Blue Skies’, ‘Working with Divisions’, ‘Project and Synergies’ and ‘Increasing our Visibility.’ Colleagues had the opportunity to present ideas, discuss their roles within the directorate, and finally put a ‘face to the name’ behind day-to-day email communications. The event was rounded off with a lively networking lunch where workshop conversations continued, and further thoughts on the day were shared.
Colleagues shared their thoughts and learnings from the day and here are just a few:
“It was good to learn about the work of the other Directorate teams … this really highlighted how we can work more collaboratively. I felt inspired by Louise and the managers who were passionate about their area. I liked the positive vibe and energy.
“I’m still quite new to Kent so this served as an excellent introduction. The presentations were all very useful for this too and made me feel proud to be part of the team!”
“Getting the chance to network with colleagues from other departments and feel a more cohesive part of the Education Directorate was brilliant!”
Discussions, ideas and feedback from the Away Day have been gathered to inform future planning. Thanks to all attendees for your enthusiastic participation and great discussions on the day!