Overview
Canterbury Christ Church University is the largest centre of higher education in Kent for the public services – notably teacher training, nursing, policing, health and social care – and a significant provider of programmes in a wide range of academic and professional areas. In total, the University offers over one thousand academic and professional study programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level and is renowned for academic excellence.
Business opportunity
In 2007, Canterbury Christ Church University decided to revisit its appraisal system, following the introduction of the national framework agreement with new pay and grading structures. To ensure the revised process was effective, and was able to add real value, the University was looking for a solution to support all staff across the University’s five campuses.
What’s more, to coincide with the launch of its new appraisal system, the University also wanted to implement a new Leadership Model to encourage, facilitate and drive the development of leadership capabilities within the University’s senior staff.
What were the organisation’s needs?
To ensure the revised appraisal process was introduced effectively, it was clear that Canterbury required an all-encompassing solution. The University was looking for a solution to support all staff going through the new appraisal process, in effect, a means of providing 24/7 support for all staff.
Furthermore, the University was pending its IiP accreditation and was keen to ensure that staff at all levels had access to resources to support their ongoing professional development.
Additionally, to support the new Leadership Model, the University required a wealth of high quality resources to support and develop its leaders before, during and after its formal programmes.
What solution was provided?
Working directly with Canterbury Christ Church University, the team at GoodPractice devised a truly unique solution, comprised of two innovative, dedicated toolkits.
Encompassing a wealth of topics, the University introduced its Appraisal and Professional Development Toolkit for all managers and staff, designed to empower all staff to take a proactive approach to learning and development, and its Leadership and Management Development Resource Centre, aimed specifically at senior leaders.
- Appraisal resources, providing staff and managers with easy access to appraisal policy documents, completion guidance and forms, further supported with information on appraisal training. It also provides important contribution documentation in line with the National Framework Agreement.
- General support material, based on GoodPractice’s Toolkit for Managers, giving staff relevant knowledge and practical, just-in-time tools to help them with self-development in the workplace, including meeting any specific needs identified during the appraisal process.
The Leadership and Management Development Resource Centre provides the University with a one-stop shop for its busy leaders. The GoodPractice solution incorporates a Leadership Development Programme Centre for delegates, supported by development topics which are based on the GoodPractice Toolkit for Leaders. To encourage user engagement and ensure ease of use and relevance, the content is mapped against the University’s four key leadership capability clusters.
What were the outcomes?
The University is now using the toolkits to support staff on many levels across its five campuses. The resources are used from employee induction right through to appraisal, professional development, workshops and training events. Across the University, use of the toolkits averages at an impressive 500 document downloads per month.
Client Testimony
“Using the GoodPractice site and materials to support our relaunch of appraisal has been hugely beneficial and shown our staff that learning can happen in a variety of ways, not just the standard ‘course’! We have been very pleased with our staff use of the site, the support from GoodPractice and the flexibility the tool offers us.”
Tracy Bell-Reeves, Canterbury Christ Church University
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