From transformational systems changes to temporary remote work arrangements, our community has faced unprecedented shifts in workplace dynamics this past year. As part of the university’s investment in change management and transition resources, the UBC Change and Transition community of practice was established to support faculty and staff in navigating change effectively.
Supported by a team of staff in HR, this community of practice connects faculty and staff who have a passion for fostering wellbeing, resiliency and capacity for change.
“Our goal for the coming year is to continue to advance the discipline of Change Management at UBC by increasing change literacy and building capacity and resilience for change,” says Marianne Boyles, change management consultant within HR. “We are especially excited to be rolling out a brand new set of UBC change management resources and tools through the community of practice this coming fall”.
Since its inception in November 2019, the community of practice has grown to around 180 members with representation from 25 units across both campuses. Participants enrich and elevate their change and transition expertise by joining monthly sessions. Topics include:
- Communicating for Engagement
- Change by Design
- Workforce Planning and Change
- A Pechakucha event
- An overview of the Influencer Model for Change
Responding to community needs
To provide change support during the pandemic, HR developed the Foundations of Change Series – three courses focused on guiding individuals, teams and leaders with navigating change and transition through the lens of wellbeing and mental health. The series was offered weekly from May through to November.
The Foundations of Changes series included:
- Change Methodologies: Applying common change theories and models can proactively help to guide, structure and simplify the process for those leading and implementing change.
- Change, Wellbeing and You: Looking at the different journeys an individual may take and the stages of transition they can encounter as they navigate change, through the lens of wellbeing and mental health.
- Leading Change and Caring for Others: Sharing the different journeys a team may take as they navigate change, and how leaders can support and guide their teams through the lens of wellbeing and mental health.
Questions about the community of practice? Please email change.transition@ubc.ca
The Change and Transition community of practice is one way that UBC is supporting faculty and staff to navigate change effectively. Learn more about how we’re making UBC an inspiring place to work through Focus on People 2025.