Sideways moves, secondments , and project opportunities

1. Sideways moves, secondments, and project opportunities Olivia Kew-Fickus, Assistant Registrar Helen Webb, HR Executive Officer Birmingham Professional Conference, 29 March 2012

2. What is the problem? • “If you aren’t moving up you aren’t progressing your career” • But… • Your current job doesn’t let you develop the skills to move up • There are no obvious progression opportunities or they are in big steps (e.g., B500→G7) • There are not many opportunities in your area • You’ve tried and not been successful • You don’t want progression but variety • Your ambitions are different than your experience • You want to “test-drive”

3. What is the solution? • It’s not always about progression • Taking a round-about route, seizing opportunities, making opportunities • Some definitions • Sideways moves • Secondments and temporary roles (e.g., maternity covers) • Project opportunities • Wearing two hats • Acting up

4. What are the benefits? • New skills • New perspective and experience (Corp Svcs – College, new school, etc.) • New challenges • Safety-net to return to old role • Variety and diversity • Gain experience and enrich your CV • Prepare for future progression • Networking, profile, and reputation

5. UoB capabilities

6. What are the drawbacks? • Leaving comfort zone – space, people, tasks, expertise • Additional work – especially for projects / dual roles • Putting yourself out there – interviewing, stress, possibility of rejection • Identity issues – Who am I now? Where do I belong? • Going back to old role • There may be times when it’s not right for you.

7. How do I find opportunities? • Let people know you are interested, especially your line manager and senior managers in your area • Look on the website – secondments are advertised as internal posts • Think proactively • Someone is leaving; could you cover it? • Can you volunteer to do a project which could be done in your area?

8. Questions to ask • What are my values? • What interests and inspires me? • Am I running away from my current job? • Am I just trying to impress? • What new skills could I learn? HR/Finance? What does it add to my portfolio? • What are my personal plans and work-life issues? • What are the expectations of the new role? Meet the manager, other colleagues if possible • How can I balance this with my existing role? • You can say NO if it’s not right for you!

9. Practical considerations • Be absolutely transparent with your current manager… • When will it start? • Will I be paid extra? If so, how – pensionable, non-pensionable honoraria? • Different terms and conditions? • Implications for leave arrangements, etc. • When will it end? • Get everything in writing • How will it be communicated?

10. Before you start • Meet the postholder if possible • Read and research the area – learn the vocabulary and grammar • Understand team structures • … and the dynamics • Plan an induction • Secure senior level support / mentoring • Research policies and procedures

11. Once in the role • Communicate, communicate, communicate • Trust and relationships • Understanding your role and gaining credibility • Fresh pair of eyes • Objective setting • Securing quick wins and celebrate success (pass on credit but take blame – don’t blame predecessor) • Business as usual or change? • Sustainability of any changes you make • Learn to say no and avoid over-commitment • Stay in touch with “home” role

12. Finishing in post • Handovers • Is there such as “going back to normal”? • Building into career development plans and CPD • Recall versus Critical Reflection • Discussions with senior managers/mentors • 360 degree feedback • How, why, what would you do differently?

13. Conclusions • Look before you leap! • Don’t be afraid to drive a deal and set expectations • Research the role and area • Know the role’s limits and possibilities • Reflect and learn

14. Questions • Olivia Kew-Fickus • Helen Webb • Bal Bansal • Mary Li Individual discussions