Case studies

Examples of best practice from across the University

There are many examples for great practice from across the University of how colleagues are living Professional Services Together principles and using the programme's tools and resources to help them and their team's succeed.

The examples below could be the answer you've been seeking for a common problem or provide inspiration for what you can do in your area, profession or career - so start exploring.

Business Continuity Network (BCN)

Problem

Ensuring effective business continuity (BC) plans are in place across Oxford to counter a diverse range of potential disruptions

Solution

A thriving community of practice with a strong membership and monthly meetings

Impact

Significantly improved preparedness for business disruption, including threat assessment and impact analysis, BC plans, exercises and mutual support

Benefits

The collegiate University is stronger working together - the BCN ensures that anyone with BC responsibilities has access to professional guidance, advice and the support across Oxford

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EA and PA Community of Practice (CoP)

Problem

Connecting EAs and PAs across Oxford to share best practice, remove siloes, solve common frustrations and grow their unique skills

Solution

A thriving CoP, with an online hub, regular learning and networking opportunities and work on a career development framework

Impact

Increase visibility and sense of belonging of EAs and PAs, made it easier to find answers to common problems and provided clear options for professional growth

Benefits

Community is empowered to develop themselves and strive to work at their best with Oxford's senior managers and academics

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New starter process, Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD)

Problem

The CMD onboarding process for professional and support staff was undefined and inconsistent

Solution

Using Focus methodology to understand the current experience and identify improvements, CMD established a feedback mechanism which was implemented, additional resources were developed and the process was updated

Impact

The refreshed induction process provides clarity and clear ownership, improving the new starter experience with a positive impact on staff retention

Benefits

New starters and managers are better supported throughout the induction process

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Research award management, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography (SAME)

Problem

The transition from the pre- to post-award process was causing frustration as people were unclear as to their role and there was a delay

Solution

Consultation and process mapping revealed opportunities for improvement and new guidelines were developed, and a handover meeting held between pre- and post-award

Impact

Researchers know where to go with queries, have increased trust in the process and quicker access to funds

Benefits

Researchers now have better control of their post-award research grant spending, forecasting and reporting

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Payments to examiners, Department of Experimental Psychology

Problem

The departmental payment process for examiners and assessors lacked clarity for both those undertaking the process and the payees

Solution

The process was reviewed, mapped, and refined. Opportunities to reduce complexities and workload were identified and implemented

Impact

Improved service, approval process simplified reducing the number of people and checks involved saving 1.5 days per season

Benefits

A clearly defined, efficient process which provides good service to examiners and assessors

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Careers Club, part of Oxford-wide Careers

Problem

Many colleagues are unaware of the career development opportunities available to them at the University

Solution

A Careers Club to offer advice and insights about career development, highlight internal mobility opportunities and signpost career tools and resources

Impact

Professional Services (PS) staff have a space to develop practical skills and hear colleagues' career progression stories

Benefits

PS colleagues are inspired to develop their Oxford-wide Careers, more aware of potential career pathways, development and internal mobility opportunities

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Case studies

Find out how colleagues across Oxford have used Professional Services Together tools and resources to make things easier and better

Examples of best practice from across the University

Business Continuity Network (BCN)

EA and PA Community of Practice (CoP)

New starter process, Centre for Medicines Discovery (CMD)

Research award management, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography (SAME)

Payments to examiners, Department of Experimental Psychology

Careers Club, part of Oxford-wide Careers

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