Professional development the UK Acoustic Network (UKAN) in public engagement
Would you like to increase the impact of your public engagement? Are you interested in how to develop partnerships that can engage people meaningfully with your work? Do you want to improve the breadth and depth of your engagement work? Then the UKAN Impactful Public Engagement Programme is for you! The programme will cover all aspects of designing effective public engagement programmes, from developing an appropriate approach to evaluating its impact.
The programme
This dynamic six-month professional development opportunity will bring up to 40 members of UKAN together to develop their public engagement work. The programme is designed and facilitated by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) and involves a range of contributors from inside and outside of higher education.
Key components of the programme are:
- Three online events: These engaging, and specifically tailored events will provide the chance to:
- Explore the core components of impactful engagement and put them into practice in your own context
- Consider the role of partners in developing your approach
- Develop skills in evaluation, to improve your work, and to evidence its impact
- Hear from others about their engagement and impact work
- Participate in interactive group discussions to improve your work and share your feedback with others
- Dedicate time to developing your research and engagement projects, including evaluation plans
There will be two day-long events (10am – 3pm) and one 90-minute event
- Networking: Opportunities to build connections, learn from one another, and develop your peer support network.
- Learning groups: Peer learning will be supported through learning groups of up to 6 participants. Groups will also have access to mentors with expertise in public engagement.
- Self-directed learning: Delegates will be provided with resources to support further learning, including a template to support development of their public engagement approach.
There is no fee to take part, and the programme will take place online. We are considering whether some elements of the programme can be delivered face-to-face, though this will depend on the current situation when the programme launches, and safety and accessibility remains our highest priority.
Accessibility
We seek to make our programmes fully accessible to all. The application form includes a space to outline any accessibility requirements you might require. The programme will be delivered using the following tools. Instructions on how to use each tool will be provided.
- Live captions will be available
- Facilitators will regularly summarise discussions in the chat function
- Regular screen breaks will be programmed into the agenda, and will be adhered to
- The sessions will be recorded for programme participants to watch again, or access if they were unable to attend the full session
- Slides used in the presentations will be shared in advance (at least 1 week before the session)
- Video webinars with audio narration and closed captions
- Online networking through Basecamp
- Webpages, documents and Padlet boards for self-directed learning
You can read the NCCPE’s Accessible and Inclusive Practice Guidelines here.
Is this programme for me?
Applications are open to members of the UK Acoustics Network. The programme is free for UKAN members, and membership to UKAN is free and open to any researcher, practitioner or end-user in acoustics, giving access to the entire pool of acoustics expertise across the UK. Sign up to UKAN.
Applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience are encouraged. We will seek to select participants to ensure a balance of different perspectives, disciplines, expertise, and affiliations, spread across UKAN’s remit, including those from university, industry and the third sector.
What do I need to commit to?
The Programme is a rapid six-month programme running from April 2022 until September 2022 and will include:
- Two day-long online sessions (6 hours per session) on 21st April 2022 and 14th July 2022, and a 90-minute event in early September. Note that any formal networking will take place during the online workshops.
- Three peer learning group sessions (2 hours per session). Dates to be decided amongst learning groups.
- One informal networking session
Applying for a place will be taken as confirmation that you can commit to the programme components listed above. Once you have been accepted on the course, we ask you to give at least 3 weeks’ notice if you can no longer attend, so we can give your place to someone else.
What you need to do
The Impactful Public Engagement Programme cohort will be selected by UKAN and NCCPE, following an application process. You can download the form here and email it to Manjula Halai (manjula.halai@uwe.ac.uk) or click the register button.
Completed forms must be received by Wednesday 13th April 2022.