Target Audience: All Staff (Academic and Professional Services)

At Sussex, passions and deeply held values are one of the university's great strengths, and like all great strengths they can sometimes go into overdrive resulting in conflict between colleagues. Conflict is part of life, and though it can cause harm, it can also lead to understanding, stronger relationships and positive change if we know how to work with it.

Having run a number of pilot sessions, we invite you to these experiential and practical workshops which will give you the opportunity to explore:

Conflict Theory

What happens when we disagree?

We will offer models for understanding the dynamics of conflict, exploring reactions, positional and personal power, choices and outcome-based responses.

Open Listening Space

What helps or hinders us in speaking and being heard?

We will explore the principles and intentions of Open Listening Space, and you will have the opportunity to try out a process for listening and speaking.

No previous experience is required, just an open mind and a willingness to engage.

Feedback from our pilot sessions included:

I felt very heard and noticed the difference between this process and a typical conversation. I liked the focus on purposeful listening.

- It was valuable. It got me thinking about a lot of things, and even yesterday later, I would say, resulted in my operating differently with those I was around.

- Certain parts of the session were very revelatory.

- Quite searching exercises but very well managed to create a supportive environment.

- I think this could be very useful for bringing about positive change at Sussex in a meaningful way.

- It was a very powerful session.

Open Listening Spaces offer a safe environment to develop your capacity to participate in inclusive conversations, speak about your own experiences and allow different perspectives. At times this may feel uncomfortable, your level of participation is completely your choice. Our aim is to be accessible and inclusive for all participants across different identities and life experiences.

Delivered by Jassy Denison and Rachel Batten. Jassy is available if you have any questions before registering - email her on jassydenison@gmail.com

Details and Booking

You are welcome to attend one of the workshops below.

14 November, 09:00 - 13:00, Bramber 255

15 November, 09:00 - 13:00, Arundel 1B

16 November, 09:00 - 13:00, Arundel 1B

20 November, 09:00 - 13:00, Bramber 255

21 November, 09:00 - 13:00, Bramber 255

These are all in person events.

Please register using your Sussex email address (e.g. ab123@sussex). A link to join the session will be emailed to you the day before the event.

Late cancellations that leave places empty have considerable cost implications for the University and take away the opportunity for other staff members who might wish to attend. Given this, a late cancellation fee of £50 will be charged to your School or Division if you cancel your booking within three days of the course start date. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your place by emailing od@sussex.ac.uk.

Exceptions may be made for illness, evidenced by your line manager or doctor's note, or a family emergency. We are happy for you to substitute your place if you notify us before the course commences.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any specific requirements regarding this staff development activity (e.g., hearing/visual impairment) so that we can do our very best to accommodate your needs.

Your opinion matters! You will be asked to complete a short feedback form either at the end of the session or after the session. We appreciate you taking the time to do this, as your feedback helps us to know what works and what doesn’t, allowing us to create a better and more relevant learning experience for everyone.