Departmental Organisation And Management

Line-Management And Career Development

Staff are line-managed within one of five major administrative divisions (Health Services Research, Epidemiology, ALSPAC, MRC CAiTE Centre, or Central Support). This ensures that everyone has a path to someone who will act as their point of contact in case of difficulty or to communicate with the Management Group. A full list of staff and their line-managers is available.

Careful attention is given to the career development needs of staff and all are included in the Staff Review and Development process. This is a key mechanism for promoting the discussion of career development, training and support needs, personal objectives and workload issues. Staff are usually reviewed by their line-managers, but can opt for another reviewer with a complementary disciplinary background or to provide continuity. Staff are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities provided by the University, the Department’s own short-course programme, and outside providers, where appropriate. Staff are also encouraged to take advantage of the University’s promotion and progression procedures, and many individuals currently in the Department in all career paths have progressed ‘through the ranks’ over the years.

Management Group

The Department’s Management Group makes key policy and strategic decisions. It meets at least three (usually five or six) times a year and when necessary to respond to particular issues that arise. Each member of the Management Group has a specific responsibility. A current list of members of the Management Group is available.

Departmental Meetings

There are regular Departmental Meetings to which all staff are invited. They are used to inform staff of developments and consult on all major issues. Department meetings are held at least three times a year. Other groups of staff meet regularly or as required. The most regular method of communication is by e-mail and various e-mail lists exist to ensure that communication is targeted effectively.

Management/Administrative Tasks

Departmental responsibilities are shared out between members of staff and are reviewed and changed periodically. A list of Departmental responsibilities and a separate list of teaching responsibilites are available.