Training Programme for 2005 - 2006
This year, Unipol Training will be building upon our "round table" format to give practical examples of best practice around the country in a variety of customer service and housing rights areas. In the human resource training areas group work and case examples will form an important part of the courses.
New Courses and Policy Issues
Housing Act
The new Housing Act and its aftermath will be an important plank of the forthcoming programme.
A variety of one day events will be held, dealing with the implications of the Act itself followed by more specialist modules relating to the use of Codes and Practice and licensing exemption, the new Housing Health and Safety Ratings system and its applicability specifically to student accommodation and the use of the Act in the context of housing advice and advocacy.
The implications and uses of the Act will also be built into all training modules dealing with housing standards and property inspections.
Throughout the year there will be two new modules currently unprogrammed, to deal with issues and national comparisons that will arise from the local authority implementation of the Act.
Towards the end of the year, with the finalisation of proposals for deposit protection being introduced in summer 2006, a one day training course will explain the practical implications of this for all of those letting on assured shorthold tenancies.
Pastoral Care
2005-2006 will be the year that pastoral care moves into the front line in student accommodation service delivery.
Modules on dealing with anti social behaviour and providing on site residential care through an expanding, but modern, warden system will be examined.
In response to demand a specialist one day module will look at the legal and tax implications of living in student residences for both staff and student residential staff and a number of contractual issues relating to "being on call", the working time directive, the minimum wage criteria and tax implications will all be looked at.
The student care agenda is also being built into all relevant training areas throughout the year.
Cross Country Developments and Best Practice
The overview of what happened over the summer has been updated and will now provide a more in depth country-wide assessment of any trends and developments that have taken place over the latest lettings season.
A new event looking at what students want and respond to when looking for their first accommodation from an institution (or through a nominations agreement) will look at effective uses of communication, marketing and information needs.
Later in the year, a one day event looks at what research and evidence there is to show what it is that students actually want and value from their accommodation and, more importantly, what they expect from a good housing provider.
Design
In June 2006 a special one-off event will look at the fast up coming issues of sustainability in the design and ongoing management of student accommodation.
Training for Staff
There is an updated, and popular, two day module specifically geared to new staff managing student housing which is directed to providing motivation and practical knowledge in a group environment.
There is a specialist module on how to inspect a small house for those responsible for management and head leasing of such properties.
The new three day training event looking at student housing standards has been revised (following its trial last year) and will provide a hot-house atmosphere for delegates to emerge well informed about what housing standards are and how they can make their own assessments. The course involves considerable group work with experts in the field.
A variety of more specialist training is also available through our in-house training packages, details of which can be found on this site.
Housing Rights
Unipol's two, now almost definitive, three day modules looking at housing rights: tenancy, rights to repair and the role of the law within standards and contract has been updated. These two three day courses guarantee to provide delegates with both expertise and confidence in dealing with legal and student advice matters in the specific student housing arena.
A two day "top up refresher course" as yet unprogrammed, is also planned for those experienced in student advice and advocacy looking at the uses of the new Housing Act in advising and representing students.
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.
We hope you find the programme fresh and relevant to your needs and that you will continue to support Unipol Training and in its own way Unipol can support you.
ANUK
Unipol is pleased to continue its association with and assist in the development of the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) and is running the annual conference for ANUK in December.
In House Training
A rapidly growing area of Unipol's training is the provision of dedicated events to inform, motivate and involve those involved in the area of student housing. Unipol has a wide range of trainers and has over 25 modules that can be tweaked and adapted to fit your needs either on your own premises or at a dedicated venue. Training can involve group work, team building exercises and case work examples highlighting issues.. For further information, please see In House Training.
Friends of Unipol Training
Friends of Unipol Training rewards regular delegates with a 10% discount and a priority booking system. To date over 40 institutions joined as Friends. For further information, please see Friends of Unipol Training
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 our website or contact us at conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk
We will be pleased to answer any further questions you may have. Please contact
Unipol Student Homes, 155-157 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 3ED, Telephone: 0113 243 0169, option four for conferences, Fax: 0113 234 3549, Email: conferences@unipol.leeds.ac.uk
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