Service Management Manager Review

I mange a team of Service Managers. Our primary purpose is to provide a level of quality and support for the BBC's delivery teams as they design, build and transition services into the live environment. We make sure the support and operational teams have what they need in order to ensure the BBC's output.

A combination of both. Entry to the MSc programme required a reasonable degree of experience in a management position, so a lot of the learning has been developing existing skills. However, when you learn the theory behind the practice you start to get into new areas of learning which give provide you a platform to grow new skills

Each module within the programme varies in terms of how enjoyable it is. Some topics can be quite heavy and academically challenging, others feel closer to what you actually do (and enjoy) as part of your day job. Overall I am definitely finding it enjoyable, it does require a huge amount of my personal time, but it is rewarding.

In the main it is well organised, learning objectives are clear, tutors are experienced and capable and the administrative functions surrounding the course (lecture invites, prompts, published notes/recordings, reminder etc) are very well organised. Where it's slightly lacking is that it sometimes feels like there isn't much consideration that you have a full-time busy day job as well, eg. pre-reading/exercise demands can sometimes be unrealistic

In terms of freedom to partake in the programme, plenty. My time is very much my own to manage how I need to and my time spent studying has never been questioned. I have a good, trusted working relationship with my boss and he understands the demands put on me. However, in the main this is all my own work and I am left to it.

There is a good level of support, we have tutors for each module and also study and apprenticeship coaches, but they are very much there for when we call on them. They leave us to it and they understand we all have very busy jobs/lives alongside the programme. They are all very polite and professional.

Given that the academic theory is so closely linked to the apprenticeship side of the programme, there is a need to provide evidence as you go to demonstrate how you have applied the theory in practice. That makes it all feel very real as you are forced to apply what you have learnt and reflect on the impact this has on your performance as a leader of a team.

Not really, although I think under more "normal" circumstances this may have naturally happened a bit more. The entire course has to date been delivered remotely and I have not actually been to Cranfield University as yet. Given my current circumstances this has been beneficial to me, although I know some have felt they would have preferred to be taught on-campus.

Yes

The BBC truly is a unique organisation, unlike any other I have worked at. There is a sense of public service and duty that run through most that work here, and, for me at least, the easily understood and tangible nature of what it delivers is something I value. It's not perfect, and there are very many frustrations that come with intense financial and resource constraints, this can have a profound affect on some of the behaviours observed across the organisation. But aside from the nay-sayers, it is generally considered a force for good by most, and that brings a sense of pride that is hard to find in the commercial sector.

The reason I applied for the BBC is because I identified with the values it stood for and I agreed with it's purpose. For me, it wasn't just another place to drop my CV into the bucket and hope, it was an exciting opportunity to be part of something that *everyone*, no matter where you are in the world, recognises and (in the main) values. Show your authentic self in your application and/or interview, we care less about your corporate credentials than we do about what you can bring to help us thrive.