A new peer community has been founded for colleagues who design, deliver or facilitate training and other learning activities across the University and Students’ Union. This includes training, workshops, inductions, briefings, coaching and peer learning - whether this is an occasional part of your role or a core responsibility.

Information sessions about the Community of Practice (CoP) will be held on 25 June, 22 July and 20 August. Please complete this form if you would like to attend. If you are interested in the main CoP meetings but are unable to attend any of these introductory sessions, please still complete the form so that we can invite you to the launch.

These information sessions will:

  • introduce the CoP
  • outline our proposed approach
  • and explore the main aims and possible topics for future discussion.

We expect to launch the CoP early in Semester 1.

Background and aims

The University and SU deliver a wide range of training for staff and students, often with teams working in parallel.

This CoP aims to bring together colleagues involved in learning design, training delivery and facilitation, creating an internal forum to connect expertise across both UoB and the SU. While external networks exist, there is currently no shared internal space focused on this area of practice.

Initially, the CoP meetings will take place twice a year, timed to support planning ahead of key training periods.

The aim is to create a peer-led space to:

  • share effective practice
  • explore common challenges
  • improve consistency and inclusivity
  • reduce duplication of effort.

What we want from the CoP:

  • Build connections between colleagues delivering training across UoB and SU
  • Share solutions to common challenges
  • Create a hub of ideas to improve training quality and impact
  • Provide space to share learning from experience, events, and development opportunities.

Why join?

  • Meet others who design or deliver learning sessions across the University and SU
  • Exchange practical tips - from planning and delivery to evaluation
  • Bring ideas or challenges to a supportive peer group
  • Learn from colleagues with different audiences, formats, and levels of experience.

All levels of experience are welcome.

Potential topics

  • Supporting trainers: resources, skills development, inclusivity.
  • Facilitation skills and confidence-building.
  • Supporting learners: engagement, accessibility, pre/post-session materials.
  • Promotion and communication of training.
  • Increasing engagement and participation.
  • Insights from conferences, events, and training attended.
  • Common barriers and how to overcome them.
  • Evaluation approaches and impact measurement.
  • Visibility of training activity to reduce duplication.
  • Other topics to be suggested by you.

We look forward to seeing you at an info event soon or in the new semester if you cannot make any of the sessions. Feel free to reach out to either of us however if you have any questions.

Annette Goddard (Skills and Development Manager, The SU Bath)

Matthew Mesley (Staff Training Officer, University of Bath)