UNE will continue working with Acumen Global Partners in 2025, drawing on their expertise in engaging the wider UNE community in dialogue about the issues that matter to us. 

Last year, this included engaging small groups in conversations about the Enabling Behaviours Conversation Guide.  The early benefits from this work are tangible and all areas of the university are encouraged to roll this out, supported by Acumen trained UNE Convenors.

Over the next few months, we will be turning our attention to exploring and landing on the values that will support us as an organisation and community as we work together towards a new strategic vision for UNE 

Acumen will support by expanding the UNE convenors network to engage our community in these important conversations, with the intent to train at least 40 UNE convenors and to reach at least 400 participants from across the organisation.  In doing so, we hope to foster connections and conversations that will continue to build a safe and thriving UNE for the future.   

If you meet the criteria below, and are able to commit to time required, consider joining as a UNE Convenor!

You are invited

Staff engagement in conversations to develop our shared values will be stewarded by UNE convenors – supported by Acumen.

1. We are looking for people who:
   1. Are passionate about and committed to UNE’s future and willing to engage others in discussions on UNE’s values and future strategy
   2. Have the respect of, and for, their colleagues and can hold safe space for dialogue
   3. Can be available for most, if not all, of the following …
2. The ask:
   1. Participate in online development sessions (essential):
      1. One 90-minute, on-boarding session to prepare for and learn about convening small group conversations. [Mid- to late-February]
      2. Monthly, 90-minute convenor coaching sessions with Acumen.[February – June]
   2. Subject to your availability:
      1. Support UNE’s Strategy process with the team from Office of Strategy Management.[March – June]
      2. Host 4-6 small group conversations to engage the UNE Community in dialogue about vision and values.Depending on your preference, these may be entirely within your department, or you may be invited to support cross-departmental conversations. 
   3. Participate in debriefing and evaluation of the process.
3. The offer:
   1. Building on your existing capability, Acumen will provide guidelines and coaching support for hosting small group conversations / constructive dialogue.
   2. You will gain access to an online learning portal that offers a self-paced short course on how to hold space for dialogue, along with related resources.
   3. You will be invited to join a dedicated Convenor’s Teams channel designed to share experiences and receive peer support.

To express interest in becoming a UNE Convenor, please contact Baylee@acumenglobalpartners.com.

Not a Convenor but still wish to participate?

If you are passionate about the success of the university and open to being part of these important upcoming conversations on vision and values and engaging with colleagues in new ways, there will be several opportunities to participate in this process over the next few months.  To receive communications targeted to interested participants, please contact Baylee@acumenglobalpartners.com.