Event Details

This peer learning workshop is designed for those with experience of supporting the development of research proposals at either central or school/faculty level. This workshop starts from the premise that it is not enough to offer technically correct advice and guidance to grant applicants in terms of appropriate target schemes and improving drafts – we need that advice to be acted on to be effective.

This workshop will feature short introductory provocations but will rely heavily on peer learning through small group discussions with colleagues at other institutions. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how they currently frame their expertise and their role to researchers; how they build relationships with researchers; and how they approach persuading and influencing colleagues. What works well for them, and what challenges they have.

By the end of the workshop participants will have had the opportunity to:

• reflect on their own practice in terms of relationship building, influencing and persuading, and giving feedback.
• discuss common challenges with colleagues from other institutions, and learn from common experiences and challenges
• share practical tips and advice – learn what works for other people

The workshop will operate under the ‘Chatham House’ rule, especially for group discussions. The rule states that “participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed”. This is to create the conditions for open and frank discussions.

Target Audience

This workshop is aimed at experienced Research Development Managers who support the development of research proposals at either central university or department/faculty level. A minimum of two years of experience in a research development role is required to take full advantage of – and fully contribute to – this peer learning experience. But this event is also suitable for colleagues with substantially more experience, for whom there are far fewer professional development opportunities.

We expect that participants would already have achieved the learning objectives of ARMA’s two other courses in this area (Supporting Research Proposals and Raising the Quality of Research Proposals), obtained through attending those courses, practical experience, or a mixture of the two.

Benefits for Individuals

• Career Growth: Builds sector-relevant skills aligned with ARMA’s Professional Development Framework, and supports continuous development.
• Networking: Connect with peers across institutions, share experiences, and build professional relationships.
• Accessible & Inclusive: Affordable and designed for diverse learning needs.

Benefits For Institutions

• Workforce Development: Staff gain knowledge and insight into how they can better build relationships with researchers, and approach persuading and influencing colleagues
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encourages dialogue and shared innovation with a focus on peer learning.
• Tailored Training: Delegates have an opportunity to discuss common challenges with colleagues across other institutions and organisations, and reflect on their own practice in terms of relationship building.

Previous Session Feedback 

“I really enjoyed everything, the topics covered were useful and good have the perspective of the three presenters.”

“For me it was the perfect balance between presentations and interaction. I also really appreciated having the space to discuss things in
groups, without the pressure of feeding back to the wider group afterwards. This meant I could think more freely without worrying that I might need to come up with something to relay to a big group!”

“I really enjoyed that this was aimed at individuals with more experience and therefore peer to peer learning.”

“I really enjoyed this session. The presenters were engaging, all the information was incredibly useful, and it was the perfect balance for me between listening and interactivity.”

Professional Development sessions are adapted based on member and delegate feedback.