The Eastern Region Forum for Staff and Educational Developers (ERF) is looking for a new co-chair, or chair for the region.
Are you from one of the regional Universities and would be interested in a new challenge?
This is an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant to work with like-minded colleagues to help shape the strategic direction of the SDF Regional Network. Additionally, you will gain valuable experience of working to create development activities for the regional network members.
Interested? Read on for more information about this exciting opportunity.
Intro the region
ERF regional forum group meetings and event provide staff developers in the Eastern Region an opportunity to share practice, exchange ideas and provide a mutual support network of experienced staff development practitioners.
Format of the sessions
The sessions are informal in nature and usually start with a round table review and sharing of current activities, issues, and opportunities. The agenda for each meeting is collectively agreed by the group members and, whenever possible, we aim to invite members or guest presenters to share and demonstrate examples of innovations in staff development. Meetings and events are open to colleagues in other SDF groups by prior arrangement.
Universities in the region
There are 11 regions that form the Eastern Region SDF:
- University of Suffolk
- University of Essex
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Cranfield University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Cambridge
- Norwich University of the Arts
- University of East Anglia
- University of Essex
- University of Bedfordshire
- Open University
What does the role of a co-chair or chair involve?
The primary duty is leading a networking provision for the region, so the main duties are:
- Organising local networking events and meetings – including speaker and activities, venues/online portal.
- Communicating within the local Region, passing on key information from SDF. Managing JISC mail on behalf of the region.
- Supporting members within the region – coaching and mentoring, informally in the main but formally where required.
- Looking for opportunities to expand and develop projects within the region of benefit to members and Higher Education as a whole.
Additional SDF Council specific duties are:
- Chair three SDF regional meetings a year and ad hoc meetings as required.
- Liaise with SDF members of the Executive, Council and Administrators in order to progress the SDF’s strategies and business plan targets.
- Represent the SDF regional network at SDF national events.
- Lead the development and delivery of all CPD activity inc. SDF Events and others.
- Liaise with the Communications Officer and Web Developer for the update of the SDF regional network on the SDF website if necessary.
Further details can be found in the Regional Chair job description 2020.
Who else will be involved in the region?
If you are interested in the role you will be working alongside Amanda Giles, who is the current chair. Here is some information from Amanda’s Bio:
Amanda Giles (Eastern Region Chair)
Amanda has held the role of Head of the Centre for Staff and Educational Development (CSED) at the University of East Anglia (UEA) since January 2014. Amanda’s first career was in the Royal Air Force, initially as an air traffic controller and airport manager, then later in executive and headquarters roles before moving to the arena of training and education management. Having completed an MSc in Leadership, and worked alongside academic partners from KCL, Cranfield and Portsmouth Universities, on leaving the RAF she was drawn towards a second career in Higher Education.
Amanda’s diverse team at CSED deliver a wide range of activities and interventions to support and enable staff development at UEA, including ICT, equality and diversity, academic practise, personal and professional development, leadership and management open and bespoke courses, research staff development, coaching, and an MA in Higher Education Practice.
linkedin.com/in/amanda-giles-2bb5487
I’m interested! How do I put my name forward?
If you would like to express your interest in this role please confirm this in writing (email) to A.Viva@sdf.ac.uk
Applicants are required to prepare a 250 word summary outlining why they are interested and what they can bring to the role. Closing date Monday 23rd November 2020.
If we do receive multiple self-nominations, then it may be necessary to conduct an election to determine the new post-holder.
If you would like further information about the role or the work of the SDF Regional Chair, then please do not hesitate to contact the SDF chair R.Espinoza@sdf.ac.uk for further information.