Leadership and management
The Manager's Toolkit is for all managers - whether you are in your first management role or you are an experienced manager, there is something here for you.
On this page, you will find key procedures, guidance and development opportunities to support managers to be as effective as possible.
Within each of the below sections, there are a range of topics to choose from. Each topic contains relevant workshops, webinars, online learning and other resources to develop your skills and knowledge. Most of these resources are available for you to access anytime, can be completed in any order and as/when you need them.
Guidance for new managers
If you are a new manager at Sussex, there are a number of additional resources available that we encourage you to engage with. This will not only help you better understand your role as a manager, but also enable you to connect with other managers across the University.
Management Apprenticeships at Sussex
Organisational Development have partnered with Leadership and Management training provider, KnowledgeBrief , to offer staff the opportunity to study towards nationally-recognised leadership and management qualifications as part of the Staff Apprenticeship Scheme. These work-based apprenticeship programmes are fully funded through the University's apprenticeship levy.
More information on apprenticeships, funding and eligibility can be found on the Staff Apprenticeships Scheme page.
Level 3 CMI Team Leader/Supervisor
This apprenticeship lasts for 15-18 months and is aimed at new or aspiring managers that do not have existing management qualifications.
Modules include:
Personal Development as a first line manager
Resource Planning
Meeting Stakeholder needs
Managing and communicating information
Identifying development opportunities
Management communication
Being a leader
Team Leader Level 3 Apprenticeship [PDF 400.78KB]
Level 5 Operational/Departmental Manager
This two-year programme is designed for experienced managers and leaders, and provides advanced leadership techniques which are focused on supporting the organisation’s wider strategic objectives. It is suited to mid–senior level managers with developed experience in their field, looking to formalise their leadership and management expertise.
Level 5 Operational Departmental Manager [PDF 387.09KB]
Level 7 CMI Senior Leader This apprenticeship lasts for 15-18 months and is aimed at any individual moving into or working within a senior or strategic management role.
Setting overall strategic direction and encouraging employees to buy into the organisation’s vision
Developing operational policies and practices in line with the needs of the organisation
Leading projects delivering organisational strategy such as change and agile transformation programmes, diversification, new product implementation, and customer experience improvement
Strategic resource planning and forecasting (budgets, people, technology)
Crisis management and assessing the risks and opportunities affect business performance
Leading areas such as: people development and talent management, succession planning, workforce design, and coaching and mentoring
Promoting an ethical, inclusive, innovative and supportive culture that generates continuous business improvement
Cultivating and maintaining collaborative relationships with key senior internal and external stakeholders
Shaping the approach to external communications in line with organisational communications strategies
Promoting innovation to address changing social, economic and technological trends and developments, taking advantage of new opportunities
Internal and external governance compliance including framework, regulatory and statutory requirements.
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship [PDF 390.56KB]
70:20:10 - A model approach for learning
As a manager, you should encourage and reinforce the continuous learning that your staff members engage with every day. Exploring learning opportunities for your team outside of the training room and formal learning opens up a world of possibilities for staff and reinforces the University's investment in staff learning and development. Find out more about the 70:20:10 approach to learning .
