Making the most of the power of networks

"A friendly forum where people can meet and share ideas and best practice," is how Debbie Gibbs describes the Personal Assistants (PA) Network that she and Gaynor Butterwick have established.

The idea for the PA Network grew from informal meetings that PAs used to have off campus. Thinking that it would be useful to put the network on a more organised basis, Debbie - who's PA to Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education Professor Vivien Jones - and Gaynor emailed the PAs for senior staff to gauge their interest and invite them to an initial meeting.

"We stressed the potential benefits of the group, and the response was really encouraging with around 25 people coming to the first meeting," says Debbie. "Giving people the opportunity 'to put a face to a name' improves on a practical basis across faculties and between academic and support staff. Regular meetings are also an opportunity to discuss and update each other on current initiatives and developments across campus."

As well as general discussions, the PA Network aims to have presentations from internal teams and services, preferred external suppliers and senior members of the University. So far, the Vice-Chancellor has spoken to the group about the University's strategy, and Marion Lowrence, PA to the head of Yorkshire Universities, and The Queens Yorkshire PA of the Year, has given a presentation. In future, the plan is to hold meetings every two months which will be hosted at different venues across campus so members visit offices away from their normal working areas.

"The network is still in its initial phase of development and currently consists of PAs for senior members of staff, but the long-term aim is to widen membership to other PAs in the University," says Gaynor. "Setting up this kind of network is also something that I'd recommend to other members of staff. Getting to know other people who do a similar role is great; it increases morale as you're part a recognised and supportive group, and it also gives you a group 'voice' across campus".

Professor Michael Arthur, Vice-Chancellor, said: "Large organisations, such as ours, work best via their informal networks rather than their formal processes. It's fantastic that the PA network has formed and that people from different parts of the University are getting to know each other well. PAs are important and influential members of staff and I'm delighted that they are contributing so positively to new ideas and the future of the University."

If you're interested in joining the PA Network or if you'd like advice on setting up your own network, d.gibbs [a] adm.leeds.ac (p) uk or gaynor [a] lubs.leeds.ac (p) uk