How the tool was developed

The project was jointly funded by the ODHE Network, Bournemouth University, and the University of Westminster.

Data collection included a review of selected university career frameworks from a range of university mission groups; two Special Interest Groups with Organisational Development practitioners; a survey with academics across the UK; interviews with academics, coaches, mentors, and OD practitioners. Data was coded, categorised, synthesised and informed the research outputs, including this tool to support Academic Career Conversations.

The findings were checked with staff developers and OD practitioners at SDF conferences and with ODHE along the journey, and the tool was co-created with, and piloted with, academic staff.

The tool itself is a response to, and informed by, triggers from the data. Some of the terminology used is specifically academic. Some of the exercises are more generic in their language and although were initially designed specifically for and with academic staff, they have also proved to be useful in supporting career conversations for professional and support staff.

The tool is not competency based, but designed to support thinking about, reflecting on, and planning for an academic career and is designed to be used as a ‘conversation with self’, or can be used to prompt career conversations with others.