2004-2005 Training Year: Overview

Many new events have been added, concentrating on the new Housing Act, the rising importance of risk assessment and health and safety and the changes in expectations of students related to "the student experience". The increasing importance of "care packages" as we approach top up fees in 2006, means that institutions are looking to develop added value and distinctive services.

Specific events have been organised on security and reception facilities, on site management, internet services, the special skills needed to manage different types of buildings, how to market properties, dealing with anti social behaviour, accreditation and housing under 18 year olds.

In the information based area the Essential and Advanced Housing Advice modules have been revised as has the popular Getting Started in Student Housing Management.. Two new training events have been added: a residential course concentrating on housing standards and health and safety and a three day course looking at how to manage student accommodation complexes through their lifecycle.

Turning to future policy: in partnership Unipol is running a major conference on students in the community, In the new year there are two linked seminars on developments between the private sector and institutions in providing student accommodation. Unipol is also running its two-yearly seminar for senior staff this year looking specifically at how student accommodation can contribute to the student experience in 2006 and after.

Unipol is pleased to continue is association with and assist in the development of the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) and is running the annual conference for ANUK in December.

We hope you find the programme fresh and relevant to your needs, that you will continue to support Unipol Training and in its own way Unipol can support you.

Types of Event

Each event is designed to meet a particular need and take one of several forms:

• information based training, a course-based format, impart information and expertise within a given area
• exploration formats, where models of management or provision are highlighted in an effort to promote best
• practice, encourage networking and exchange of ideas
• discussion formats where a board-room style seating arrangement and a looser agenda encourage a
• structured round-table discussion.

An aim of Unipol training is to undertake a number of events that will appeal to all those involved in student housing provision: from Directors of Finance and Heads of Service to those working at the coal-face as housing managers and administrative assistants. Some events are dedicated to a particular level of staff but others are specifically designed to have a wide mix of participants.

Unipol training is also a major resource for those who work providing student accommodation in the private sector. The shared experiences of those working in HEIs and the private sector allow innovation to feed off each other, leading to better services.

Building on Success

Not for profit training is priced to be affordable and good value. Many of our speakers contribute for expenses only and those that charge a fee (for many it is how they make their living) price themselves well below market value. An important aspect of our training is treating our delegates properly in good venues. Because so many work in student accommodation, a change of scenery in the venue is an important part of a training event, showing that this is a serious contribution to staff development.

In an effort to aid travel, most events are held in central London, York and Leeds, where train services are good and frequent.

Meeting Your Training Needs

Unipol is keen that our training should meet your needs. Please let us have any ideas or feedback by E-mail at conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk with ideas.

In 2003 Unipol launched its in house training package. In the first year five successful in-house events have been held - each one tailored to the individual institutional requirement. Please see our separate in House Training Pack for further details or request one by E-mail.

Friends of Unipol Training rewards regular delegates with a 10% discount and a priority booking system. To date over 40 institutions joined as Friends. A separate leaflet outlines how to join and the benefits of doing so

Conclusion

We are looking forward to seeing you in our next training year and please feel free to give us any feedback or ideas for new events. Please keep in touch through or website or contact us at conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk