Yes, yes, yes – it is pathetic … you get to the stage when you have so much to say that you can’t find the time to write it – and that only delays it! The only solution is just post, so here: Went to see a building that was designed by the same architects and built by the same builders as we’re having. I just wasn’t expecting so much exposed untreated concrete and services open to the eye.
It transpires that a lot of people actually like it. As do I in context. For example, the Seattle public library (pictured in October posts) and places like the National Museum of Wales – fantastic examples of all sorts of masonry – but I just don’t get the whole unfinished “European look”.
Since the last post, there’s been a whole heap of very interesting things happening ranging from examining how we deal with incremental change and discussing how we engage with the SPA (Supporting Professionalism in Administration), to an interesting trip to London to present our wares to one of our partners. The latter was particularly beneficial as it not only revealed to me that we have a real product to offer to a much wider community – but it allowed the opportunity to work with some staff with whom I’ve not worked before – and I think we found a strength there that we can capitalise on internally as well as externally! Apologies if that’s a bit cryptic – but it all centres around the development of high specification interactive learning materials and the provision of hosting services for a comprehensive learning and communication environment…
I also Chaired another Information Strategy Panel meeting (ISP) – a very interesting committee (well, I would say that wouldn’t I!) that is currently looking at such things as… electronic meeting papers, CRM, timetabling system, KPIs, HR system, web working group, email policy, FOI/DP policies and more! Yea, we’re doing the stuff of a big University with the staff of a smaller one!The Project Management Board for our new City Centre Campus concentrated mainly on issues surrounding the legal agreement for the land and managing the (49 page) risk register – really gripping stuff (I kid you not!). Met with the Wales representative of the Higher Education Academy to discuss updates on some interesting projects and proposals - and I had the privilege of taking part in the interviews for the position of Director of our new CELT (Centre for Excellence in learning and teaching) – success, we actually had a choice of some great candidates!
Anyway, videos: My old boss is a chap whom I admire greatly – really. I have had the privilege of learning lots from all my old bosses over the years – sometimes how to do things – and sometimes how NOT to do things. But somebody sent me a Youtube link (that I simply dare not put here because of its less than respectful title!) showing him playing the guitar and singing in a band with some other members of the department – including my mate with big hair. All I dare say in a public forum is “wow!”.
Here’s a link I can put here – amusing approach to office productivity (found while doing some research for the Stress Alleviation Working Group I chair!) :
NOT for the faint hearted 
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