Review of 2012 Conference

Facts and Figures

The conference consisted of 83 workshops, training sessions and presentations, 34 information stands and 10 lunch-time activity sessions.
All 16 UAS sections participated in the event, together with 16 Oxford partners, and 3 external organisations (one trade union and two suppliers).
914 delegates registered to attend the conference (+17%): 41% were from UAS (35% 2011), 41% from departments (40% 2011), 13% from colleges (18% 2011), and 5% were partner/external presenters.
68% of delegates had worked at the University for a number of years, 29% had worked for the University for 2 years or less.
56% of delegates attended for the whole day.

Feedback

An online survey was circulated to collect feedback about the event and help shape any future activity. 255 responses were received (28%). The main findings are as follows:

97% of attendees were very satisfied (61%) or satisfied (36%) with the event as a whole.
86% liked the structure of the day, rating it as Good (42%) or Excellent (44%).
86% thought the length of the workshops and presentations appropriate.
84% liked the range of subjects covered (45% Good, 39% Excellent).
87% of those that attended the lunchtime activities rated them as Good (37%) or Excellent (50%).
The Bike Doctor Service rated as Good (36%) or Excellent (55%).
Respondents rated the following aims of the conference as very important to them:
- Learning skills that I can apply back in my own role
- Receiving updates on initiatives that are part of my day-to-day role
- Networking / meeting colleagues
The following aims were rated as fairly important to respondents:
- Finding out more about subjects that are of interest to me and that are not part of my day-to-day role
- Hearing about collegiate University activities at a more strategic level
- Finding out about services/suppliers

Breakout Sessions

The following sessions attracted the most registrations:
- The science and psychology of stress: Myths and evidence
- New developments under the Data Protection and the Freedom of Information Acts
- Top tips for improving your website
- Your password: How bad guys will steal your identity
- Social media 101: Facebook, Twitter and more
Most respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the content and delivery of the sessions they attended. The highest rated sessions were:
- Specific learning difficulties and tigers: Any connection?
- Your password: How bad guys will steal your identity
- Still moving the Bodleian
- Easy access to online reports (Tableau)
- Managing trust funds
- So you always wanted to learn Japanese?
- The four college tours (of University College and Queens) were also very well received.
62% of attendees went to the sessions they registered for. Of the 38% who didn’t, the main reasons given were pressures of work (40%) or changing their mind (25%).

Information Stands

77% of respondents browsed the information stands, with the highest proportion of delegates choosing to browse during mid-morning break. Browsing at lunch-time and during the mid-afternoon break came equal second.

What worked well?

“All of it! A superb event, best one yet.”

“The college visits were excellent and very informative.”

“Chance to see my job as part of the bigger picture of the University.”

"Very useful, particularly for a new arrival."

“I felt that I learned something from every session this year - good spread of subjects and good presenters.”

“I liked the balance between work related subjects and non-work related subjects.”

“Meeting staff in other areas of the University than my own; learning new skills that I can apply in my role; and seeing new parts of the Collegiate University.”

"Lunchtime activities were a great addition to the day."

"Loved having the VC open the conference, sent out a really positive signal that administration is valued by the University."

Developments to consider

Consider repeating the most popular sessions during the day
Consider a waiting list system for popular fully booked sessions
Consider ways in which the colleges can be more involved
25% of people felt the date was too close to the start of term - consider moving the date
Perhaps split into ability groups for any skills based sessions e.g. grappling with data
Networking – more structured opportunities to meet others