Academic Practice

Continuing Professional Development

There are a range of CPD opportunities available to staff across LJMU.

For details of professional development relating to teaching and learning, please contact Rachel Boulter, CPD Officer on extension 8666 or email r.m.boulter@ljmu.ac.uk

UK Professional Standards Framework and HEA Recognition

1. What is the UK Professional Standards Framework?
2. What does the framework mean for LJMU staff?
3. What is recognition through the HEA?
4. How do I apply?
5. Where can I get support in applying?

What is the UK Professional Standards Framework?

'The UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) for teaching and supporting learning is for institutions to apply to their professional development programmes and activities thereby demonstrating that professional standards are being met.' (Higher Education Academy [HEA] website, 2011). 

The aim of the framework is to support the initial and continuing professional development of staff engaged in teaching and supporting learning.  In support of this, the framework enables individuals (and institutions) to gain 'formal recognition for quality-enhanced approaches to teaching and supporting learning'.

Since the publication of the framework there is a responsibility for HEIs - and individual staff - to demonstrate how they contribute to the student learning experience and to evidence the continuous professional development of their teaching.  Gaining formal recognition through the UKPSF is a method of demonstrating this.

If you are a new member of teaching staff at LJMU you should have received a Teaching Qualification & Experience Pro Forma with your contract of employment to complete.  If you have not received this, please complete and return to Rachel Boulter via email: r.m.boulter@ljmu.ac.uk

What does the framework mean for LJMU staff?

LJMU encourages all staff engaged in teaching and/or support learning to apply to recognition as Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow through the HEA.  As the HE sector develops in response to the UKPSF, it is likely recognition through the HEA will be sought more often by institutions recruiting for staff in teaching and learning roles.

This page contains details on the appropriate recognition to consider and the application process.

What is recognition through the HEA?

The framework identifies 3 descriptors: Associate, Fellow and Senior Fellow. Prior to applying, individuals need to ascertain which type of recognition fits best within their role (see table below for further details).  Individuals applying for recognition are expected to evidence how they engage with:

1. Five Areas of Activity undertaken by teachers and supporters of learning within HE;
2. Six aspects of Core Knowledge that are needed to carry out those activities at the appropriate level;
3. Four Professional Values that someone performing these activities should embrace and exemplify.

Below is a truncated version of the descriptors along with the typical job roles and appropriate recognition type for each descriptor.  The full framework document is available on the HEA website: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ukpsf#descriptors

Descriptor	Typical Individual roles	Related HEA recognition
Descriptor 1 Demonstrates an understanding of specific aspects of effective teaching, learning support methods and student learning. Individuals should be able to provide evidence of: Successful engagement with at least 2 of 5 Areas of Activity Appropriate Core Knowledge and understanding of at least K1 & K2 A commitment to appropriate Professional Values in facilitating others' learning Relevant professional practices, subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship within the above activities Successful engagement, where appropriate in professional development activity relating to teaching, learning and assessment activities	Individuals in roles which, typically, include at least some teaching and/or learning support.  This teaching and learning may sometimes be undertaken with the assistance of more experienced teachers or mentors. Typically those at D1 include: Early career researchers with some teaching responsibilities Part-time, fractional and sessional teaching staff Staff who support academic provision (e.g. learning technologists, developers, learning resources staff) Demonstrator/Technician roles Experienced staff in professional areas with a limited teaching portfolio	Associate Fellow
Descriptor 2 Demonstrates a broad understanding of effective approaches to teaching support as key contributions to high quality student learning. Individuals should be able to provide evidence of: Successful engagement across all 5 Areas of Activity Appropriate knowledge and understanding across all aspects of Core Knowledge A commitment to all Professional Values Successful incorporation of subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship within the above activities as part of an integrated approach to academic practice Successful engagement in CPD in relation to  teaching, learning, assessment and professional practices	Individuals in substantive teaching and supporting learning role(s). Typically those at D2 include: Early career academics Academic-related and/or support staff holding substantive teaching and learning responsibilities Experienced academics relatively new to UK HE Staff with teaching only responsibilities	Fellow
Descriptor 3 Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning. Individuals should be able to provide evidence of: Successful engagement across all 5 Areas of Activity Appropriate knowledge and understanding across all aspects of Core Knowledge A commitment to all Professional Values Successful engagement in appropriate teaching practices related to Areas of Activity  Successful incorporation of subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship within the above activities Successful engagement in CPD in relation to teaching, learning, assessment, scholarship and related academic or professional practices Successful co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others (individuals or teams) in relation to teaching and learning	Individuals are able to provide evidence of a sustained record of effectiveness in relation to teaching and learning incorporating the organisation, leadership and/or management of specific aspects of teaching and learning provision. Typically those at D3 include: Experienced staff able to demonstrate impact, influence through, for example, responsibility for leading, managing or organising programmes, subjects and/or disciplinary areas Experienced subject mentors and staff who support those new to teaching  Experienced staff with departmental and/or wide teaching and learning support advisory responsibilities	Senior Fellow

(Taken from the UKPSF document, HEA, 2011)

Dimensions of the Framework

Dimension of Practice	Associate Fellow			Fellow	Senior Fellow
Areas of Activity A1 Design and plan learning activities and/or programmes of study A2 Teach and/or support learning A3 Assess and give feedback to learners A4 Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance A5 Engage in continuing professional development in subjects/disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practices	Demonstrate any two areas of activity			Demonstrate  all areas of activity	Demonstrate all areas of activity
Core Knowledge K1 The subject material K2 Appropriate methods for teaching and learning in the subject area and at the level of the academic programme K3 How students learn, both generally and within their subject/ disciplinary area(s) K4 The use and value of appropriate learning technologies K5 Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of teaching K6 The implications of quality assurance and quality enhancement for academic and professional practice with a particular focus on teaching	Demonstrate appropriate core knowledge in line with job role and understanding of at least K1 & K2			Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding across all aspects of Core Knowledge	Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding across all aspects of Core Knowledge
Professional Values V1 Respect individual learners and diverse learning communities V2 Promote participation in higher education and equality of opportunity for learners V3 Use evidence- informed approaches and the outcomes from research, scholarship and continuing professional development V4 Acknowledge the wider context in which higher education operates recognising the implications for professional practice	Demonstrate a commitment to appropriate Professional Values in facilitating others' learning			Demonstrate a commitment to all Professional Values	Demonstrate a commitment to all Professional Values

How do I apply?

Using the two tables above you should be able to identify which recognition is most appropriate in your role.  There are two routes by which you can apply to the HEA:

Academy accredited route:

If you have completed the LJMU Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching in HE within the last two years you can apply for recognition through the Academy accredited route.  Alternatively if you have completed a HEA accredited PG Cert at another institution you can also apply via this route (see the HEA website for list of accredited programmes and their institutions).

Applying via this route is free of charge and involves the completion of a very short application form.

If you are eligible to apply via this route please contact Rachel Boulter, Academic Enhancement Unit on extension 8666 or email r.m.boulter@ljmu.ac.uk

Recognition route:

If you do not have a PG Cert or completed one in excess of two years ago you will need to apply for recognition through the Recognition route on the basis of your experience.

Where can I get support in applying?

The Academic Enhancement Unit provides a range of support to staff applying via the recognition route.  Staff from AEU run information and drop in sessions which provide a confidential environment where staff can take time away from the workplace to focus on their application with support of AEU staff.

2012 Information Sessions:

The sessions will last about an hour and will take you through the application process, answer any questions you have about applying and provide all the appropriate forms and guidance.

10am - 12pm, Thursday 26th January
10am - 11am, Monday 20th February
2pm - 3pm, Tuesday 13th March
10am - 11am, Tuesday 10th April
10.30am - 11.30am, Friday 18th May
2pm - 3pm, Tuesday 12th June

2012 Application Drop-in Support

The drop-in support sessions will take place over lunchtime: 12pm - 1.30pm from Thursday 23rd February and will take place on the last Thursday of every month.  AEU will provide some quiet space and/or IT facilities for applicants to work on their submission as well as provide support and advice:

29th March
26th April
31st May
28th June
26th July
30th August

Please note, you should attend an Information Session before coming to a drop-in session.

To book a place or for further information, contact Rachel Boulter in the Academic Enhancement Unit on extension 8666 or email r.m.boulter@ljmu.ac.uk