Senior Hall Manager Review

Managing the accommodation at the University of Nottingham. Setting strategy for future accommodation provision, managing the accommodation teams, reviewing service levels, managing procurement of goods and services, managing customer service levels, monitoring health and safety, delivering refurbishment programmes/ projects, ensuring that budgets are maintained effectively and efficiently for all circumstances.

I have learnt new research skills, working with teams that I would not have had the opportunity to work with if I had not been on the apprenticeship programme. I learnt consultancy skills during the 2 consultancy projects as part of the MBA programme, one in Nottingham and one in Paris.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with people from a range of different organisations, with different skills, experience and perspectives. It was great to develop my mind again and I enjoyed the study days and then undertaking further research. The consultancy projects were especially enjoyable and rewarding, helping people from other organisations.

The programme was very well structured, with modules covering a range of topics. They were spread over the 2 years, although there were times when there was a lot of pressure to work towards 2 or more modules at the same time. For me, the programme could not have been completed in less than 2 years, working full time at the same time.

My employer was very supportive, encouraging me to take part in the programme and giving me access to the relevant information to to be able to complete all the modules. I had sufficient time to be able to complete the programme, although because of the pandemic I also had to complete a lot of the work in my own time as well.

The training provider was very supportive. The lectures were always held as planned, documents were provided online ahead of lectures and lecturers were available by email after if any help was needed. I also had a mentor who was very supportive and always available for advice and guidance if needed.

The qualification has given me a broader perspective on the issues I face day to day at work and has given me the tools to be able to tackle issues more effectively. I approach issues in a different way, I am more open to the views of others and more confident in finding solutions to problems.

There are staff sports teams to get involved in if I wish and also a number of different staff networks, for example the women's network, with speakers and events. There is usually a wellbeing week, with events, for example mindfulness or taekwondo. I can also get involved in volunteering.

Yes

It is a large organisation with many opportunities. The staff benefits are good, for example an employee hub, with retail discounts or wellbeing advice. There are many colleagues to network with. The campus grounds are beautiful, it is a great place to walk during breaks and there is a sports centre which staff can use.

Make sure that you are thorough in your application and answer the questions carefully. Do your research using the website to find out about the vision, values and culture for success before your interview, to ensure that you match the expected behaviours. Make the most of all the opportunities available, through the professional development department and the leadership management academy.