Professional and Career Development

Learning and development is at the heart of the Department of Psychiatry's ethos.

• All staff members have an annual Personal Development Review (PDR) with their line manager, to ensure that they have the resources required for their role and to reflect on their longer-term career development.  The focus is on individual development, rather than performance management.  
• We expect managers to share and recommend conference and training opportunities for their teams. Staff can also share knowledge through our various staff networks. We also share opportunities that we think might be relevant in the weekly news digest as well as our newsletters. Read more about Psychiatry's training policies and resources (internal only).

All staff are encouraged to take 10 days of professional development per year, pro rata. Find out more about what counts, how to use the 10 days and why they are important.

Training and courses

See below for a range of courses offered by the Medical Sciences division and wider university for staff and students.

For researchers

• The Researchers' Toolkit is a resource for researchers with links to a variety of information, including training opportunities, funding, training, public engagement.
• The Medical Science Division offers courses on research and study skills, communication, careers and personal development, academic practice, and DPhil support.

Courses for all

• The People and Organisational Development Unit offers a variety of free online and face-to-face courses, including learning and teaching, leadership and management, personal development, and communication skills. It also provides resources to support personal and professional development.
• InRehearsal has bite-sized videos that allow staff to learn and develop their skills and knowledge at their own pace, encouraging continuous professional development.
• The University’s Continuous Improvement focus group offers a range of resources and trainig, both in person and online, to build skills and make small changes that can make a big impact over time.
• The University's IT Services team run a range of free and chargeable courses relating to digital skills, software and hardware.
• Courses on financial systems and processes.

Funding for training & DEVELOPMENT

Most funding for training is provided by research grants / research groups, but some specific funds are available, as follows.

Staff Development Fund

The Department also has a Staff Development Fund which staff can apply to where funding is not available within the group. The guidance notes outline the criteria and process for applications. Applications can be made at any time. DPhil / MSc Res students receive a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) to cover training-related costs.

Broadening Horizons

The Department of Psychiatry's 'Broadening Horizons' scheme provides the opportunity for academic members of the Department to attend a conference. Eligible costs to be covered include registration, travel, accommodation, subsistence and other relevant costs, but do note that we may not be able to fully fund all successful applications.

Returning Carers Fund

The University provides funding for staff who have taken a break for caring responsibilities to-establish their careers on their return. It is deliberately designed to be flexible to meet the needs of the individual. Previous applicants have used their grants to attend conferences and training sessions, establish research collaborations, and employ short-term research assistants.

Promotions

Oxford does not have a formal promotion process. Promotion is achieved by applying for an advertised post at a higher grade or taking on new responsibilities that meet regrading criteria. Staff members who believe that they should be regraded are encouraged to discuss it with their line manager and/or the Head of Administration and Finance. 

The University runs an annual Awards for Excellence scheme which recognises employees who have performed well in all the key areas of their job and have demonstrated exceptional performance above that expected for their grade. 

There are also annual Recognition of Distinction Schemes where research staff can apply for the title of University Research Lecturer, Associate Professor or Professor.