Outside Insight work shadowing, Goldsmiths, University of London

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Outside Insight - knowledge sharing through work shadowing

This initiative is a collaboration between eight London Higher Education Institutions, including Goldsmiths. Administrative and Professional Services staff from Goldsmiths can apply to shadow at one of the other seven participating HEIs.

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Participating institutions have agreed the following:

a) Definition of work shadowing

Work shadowing entails spending time with and observing the work of another member of staff in a department or role of interest in order to gain insight into work in that area. Inter-institution work shadowing provides practical career and professional development in a way that allows staff to have a wider appreciation, share and bring back knowledge, of work practices from other Universities.

b) Benefits of participating in Outside Insight

refreshed perspective and greater insight into other roles, departments, ways of working and institutions
cost effective career and professional development
staff can take ownership of their own development
both parties (person doing the shadowing and the person being shadowed) and their institutions benefit from sharing knowledge and good practice
staff have the opportunity to reflect on their own work practices and possibly highlight areas for change
enhances career progression – spending time with a manager at next level up (for example) will give a deeper understanding of the skills, knowledge and experience required for that role
allows staff to compare leadership styles, procedures and systems, organisational structure and raise awareness of what is working well and what could work better
excellent networking tool
breaks down barriers and develops relationships between institutions
broadens horizons of both the host institution and the visitor.

c) Eligibility

Outside Insight is intended to provide work shadowing opportunities to Administrative and Professional Services staff within the Partner institutions.

Administrative and Professional Services’ is a generic title intended to mean those members of staff considered to be part of the overall support structure within the HEI and not engaged in academic job roles (teaching, research, academic leadership). Further definitions as they exist in each of the Partner institutions can be obtained via its designated representative.

Staff must have passed their probationary period before applying to shadow someone or to be shadowed and must obtain their line managers’ agreement for them to participate.

Goldsmiths - University of London