PAL Days

an opportunity to work in a different area of the School for up to 10 days in a year

‘Projects as Learning’ (PAL) days are a new initiative that give professional services staff the opportunity to work in a different area of the School for up to 10 days in a year. PAL days are intended to complement the more established career development options (such as job shadowing or secondments) that are available with the School.

PAL days are intended to be flexible development opportunities that promote learning across the School, and often also offer opportunities to get involved in delivering the strategic priorities of LSE 2030. PAL days do not affect grade or pay; at the same time, it is recommended that you read the relevant guide below to ensure some consistency in the process and to ensure that PAL days are used as well as they can be.

PAL days are open to all professional services staff. If, however, your role is entirely or part funded externally, any agreement to go on a PAL day should be arranged locally between the budget holders of the respective areas. 

What opportunities are available?


Click here to see the latest PAL opportunities. 

If you see one you are interested in, you should first have a discussion with your substantive line manager, as they will need to sign off the relevant form before you submit it. PAL days will not normally involve an extra time commitment beyond your usual working hours; at the same time, they are a development opportunity and you should agree with your line manager beforehand how the requirements of the PAL work will be balanced against your substantive role.

How do I apply?

Applying for PAL days is simple:

  1. Complete the application form below, setting out why you feel that you are suited to the opportunity in question and how it will add to your learning and development;
  2. Once you have completed your sections of the form, send it to your line manager, so that they can sign the form and return it to you;
  3. Send the completed form to the email address provided for the opportunity (this will normally be the email address of the recruiting manager);
  4. If your application is a good match, the recruiting manager will contact you directly for a brief meeting to discuss the opportunity;
  5. If you are successful, the recruiting manager will then be in touch to make the arrangements for you to start.

PAL Days Application Form

PAL Days Agreement

 

Are you thinking of applying for a PAL opportunity? We recommend reading our guide first.

Are you thinking of advertising a PAL opportunity, or does someone in your team wish to apply for one? You can find a comprehensive walk-through of what’s involved in our guide for managers.

If there isn’t currently a PAL day which interests you, why not register your interest in doing one in the future? Just email hr.learning@lse.ac.uk, providing your name, department and any areas of the School or types of work you’re especially interested in. You can then be visible to any managers who are thinking of arranging an opportunity – they may even be able to tailor something specifically with you in mind.

Any questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information about PAL days, please contact hr.learning@lse.ac.uk