Professional Services Career Development Retreat
Organisational Development is inviting applications from professional services staff for a Career Development Retreat, taking place in Birkenhead on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June 2025.
This retreat is aimed at any professional services member of staff with a genuine aspiration to give thought to their career progression.
What the retreat will cover
This free, non-residential retreat represents an opportunity to reflect on experiences and look forward to where you want your career to go.
There will be guided discussion around how you have got to where you are now, and you’ll have time to consider options going forwards alongside ways of thinking that can create obstacles to our professional advancement. There will also be sessions around CVs, application forms and interview techniques, along with plenty of time and space to share experiences with colleagues. Accordingly, the retreat is more suited to professional services staff who are less experienced in these areas.
The tone of the retreat will be informal, relaxed and collaborative. Come prepared to reflect, chat and plan.
Application process
To apply please complete the online application form by Wednesday 18 June. The form will ask for:
- a statement as to why you wish to attend and how you may benefit
- a short, supporting statement from your line manager
- availability and commitment to attend the retreat in full
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application after the closing date. Please hold the retreat dates in your diary until you are notified of the outcome.
There are 26 places available and, depending on uptake, places will be spread across departments. We require a minimum of 16 suitable applications for the event to go ahead.
The practicalities
The retreat will run over two days. With tea and coffee available from 9am, both days will start at 9.30am and close by 4.30pm. Lunch will be provided on both days along with refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits).
- Day 1 will be at Dockside, Egerton House, 2 Tower Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1 FN
- Day 2 will be at the Bloom Building, 3 Abbey Close, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 5 FQ
Attendees are welcome to socialise after the close of each day in nearby venues.
Getting there
By train
Both venues are a 10-minute walk, approximately, from Hamilton Square train Station.
By ferry
The commuter ferry runs between Liverpool and Seacombe from where it is a 25-minute walk, approximately, to Dockside.
By bus
Both venues are a 15-minute walk, approximately, from Birkenhead bus station.
By car
Both venues are a 9-minute walk, approximately, from public pay and display car parks. There is a toll charge if travelling by car through either of the Mersey tunnels.
Please note:
It is attendees’ responsibility to plan and pay for travel to and from the venues and any car parking.
What attendees of the 2023 retreat said
“The retreat helped me build my confidence in networking and seeking out personal development opportunities in (and outside of) work.”
“The retreat made me more comfortable with the idea of taking opportunities for the developmental experience and ability to ‘open doors’ rather than only undertaking things that have a clear path afterwards.”
“I found it really beneficial to have a ‘zen’ couple of days and reflect personally and professionally. I gained the confidence to apply for the Aurora Advance HE programme which has been one of my favourite experiences in an HE role.”
“The retreat gave me some valuable time away from my day-to-day role to focus on my own development (something we don’t often prioritise in a busy environment!). Discussions at the retreat actually encouraged me to reapply for a role where I had previously been unsuccessful at interview and this time round I was successful!”
“It gave me the chance to network with colleagues I wouldn't have come across otherwise and we have maintained our connection beyond the retreat. We have become useful sounding boards for each other outside of our immediate teams and key supporters of one another’s progression and development.”
“Without a doubt the retreat helped me to focus on my future and to pursue the opportunities available to me. I very much feel like I’m on a journey. It’s not like all of the stars have aligned for me - I’m having to really put a lot of effort, time and energy into bettering myself and having a clearer focus on my career aspirations. However, it was the launchpad I needed, and I would recommend it to other professional services staff at LJMU.”