Staff Development
To keep our workforce in tune with an ever-changing world and to nurture the talents of our people for success, PolyU invests in different training and development programmes for our staff. In 2017/18, we offered continuous development training on topics related to language, management skills, communication skills, information technology skills, occupational health and safety and others. In total, 14,443 hours were collectively spent on internal training during the year under review. We also provided education subsidies and staff development leave to encourage our staff to explore external job-related learning and education opportunities.
To bolster the effectiveness of our traditional training programmes, in 2014/15 we launched a number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), providing a digital platform where staff can explore new topics or deepen their knowledge in their own time.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (Teaching Development) was set up with funding from the University Grants Committee. This scheme provides funding for professional development and finances teachers as they go on overseas study visits to explore innovative teaching practices and policies and then return to implement them in the local context. An Overseas Scholarship Scheme (Implementation Fund) has also been set up to support the implementation of overseas teaching practices.
Health and Safety Awareness Training
The HSEO provides different training sessions and seminars that allow staff to enhance their occupational health and safety awareness. During the reporting year, two highlighted topics were chemical safety and fire safety. A chemical spill drill was conducted in 2017 and was filmed and documented to provide material for training on emergency procedures. The “Guidelines for Fire Wardens of Departments and Offices” was also introduced in 2017 to strengthen fire safety awareness. Relevant training was provided to staff regarding emergency procedures and the use of firefighting equipment.
Different programmes and activities have been carried out over the years to provide PolyU staff members and students with a healthy and happy environment and to promote physical and mental well-being on campus. The University’s annual Safety Weeks hosts seminars, interactive booths, site visits, and safety quiz competitions for all our stakeholders and engagingly cultivates a robust on-campus safety culture.
