Professional Services Leadership

PSL is a leadership development programme to invest in the development and growth of Professional Services senior staff

The PSL programme is by nomination only, for high-performing ALC6 and G10 staff (G9 in exceptional cases), selected by the SLT and approved by the Registrar. Interested staff should inform their manager.

Next enrolment is in Michaelmas Term 2025, with a similar programme for G7-9 also launching then.

As a leadership development programme, PSL aims to:

  1. Equip Professional Services (PS) leaders to build on their core capabilities and practices to have impact and influence at the highest levels of leadership in the University.
  2. Create a network of leaders working together to advance the University mission and progress shared strategic initiatives (i.e. PST, People Strategy, EDI strategy).
  3. Build a diverse pool of successors for future University roles and improve retention.

“This programme is for staff who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as leaders and build on existing leadership skills and strengths. It is ideal for those who aspire for more strategic responsibility and have the potential to be in the most senior roles in the University (e.g. SLT or equivalent).”

Kate Bunce. Organisational Development Consultant

FAQs

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The Professional Service Leadership programme, is designed for individuals occupying key leadership positions within the University of Oxford. It caters to professional service staff who play pivotal roles in guiding the institution towards its objectives and seek to further refine their leadership skills and practices.

Ideal participants include those aiming to progress into more senior leadership roles or those already in such positions but aspire to foster significant change and transformation aligned with the University's mission. The programme particularly resonates with leaders who champion collaboration, quality, and people-centric approaches, in line with the ethos of Professional Services Together.

By joining the PSL programme, individuals gain access to a supportive network of fellow leaders, fostering collective learning and amplifying their impact within the University community.

Participants for PSL are nominated by the University Registrar’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and approved by the Registrar, with the criteria as follows:

  • Typically those in ALC6 and G10 (with G9 considered on an exceptional basis)
  • High levels of performance and potential (specific definitions are provided)
  • Potential successor to a key SLT/equivalent role
  • Desire to grow their career
  • There is evidence that the candidates would benefit from the programme
  • Nominees will be as diverse as possible in support of Oxford’s Equality Objectives, including supporting the progression of women and Black and Minority Ethnic staff in senior roles

We recommend you share your interest in being part of this programme with your manager and divisional leads as a next step. The next enrolment for PSL will be in Michaelmas Term in 2025. We will also be rolling out a similar programme for staff in G7-9 in 2025.

The programme is split into five different modules:

  • M1: The self as a leader
  • M2: Leading with others
  • M3: Leading for change
  • M4: Leadership in action
  • M5: Your next stage

 

 

Throughout the PSL programme, participants experience a structured framework that encourages reflection and learning, bolstered by the support of sponsors.

Engaging with a network of peers offers opportunities for mutual development and shared insights. The programme provides an environment where participants confront real-life leadership challenges, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. Additionally, guest speakers bring fresh perspectives and enrich the learning experience.

Small group settings, typically comprising 4-6 participants, create a safe and supportive space for collaborative learning. Moreover, participants benefit from personalised coaching and mentoring.

  Core Additional opportunities Time commitment
Learning together as a 
cohort
  • 5 cohort days (in person, Oxford)
  • Short preparation
  • Time to reflect and apply your learning afterwards
  • Arrange experiential opportunities to deepen your learning, with our support - for example projects and job shadowing
  • 1 day per module plus extra time for you to read, reflect and experiment (this will vary – at least 1 day/month recommended)
  • Preparation for each module will take <30 mins
Learning as peers
  • 5 learning group sessions (in person, Oxford) with 4-6 programme participants
  • A dedicated online group space to access and share resources and learning
  • Half a day for the learning group (will be either morning or afternoon on the second scheduled programme day)
Individual learning
  • An 1:1 support option of your choice –for example a coach or a mentor, ideally every 2 months
  • 1:1 support from the Programme Faculty Team throughout the programme
  • Typically 6-8 one-hour sessions with a coach/mentor/peer/ sponsor/your manager.
  • 3 x 30 mins sessions with Programme Faculty (more available on request)

 

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