RECOGNITION SCHEME
Guidance notes for referees supporting an application
for Principal Fellow
This guidance note answers the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Who is this guidance for?
What is the function of the advocate?
What information do I need to provide?
How do I provide my recommendation?
Further information
Thank you for agreeing to be a referee for a Principal Fellow application.
1.
Who is this guidance for?
The guidance below is designed to help you prepare your reference in support of a Principal Fellow
application.
2.
What is the function of the advocate?
The Academy expects the core knowledge and professional values of the UK Professional
Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education (UK PSF) to
underpin the practice of those recognised by the Academy.
Your role as a referee, through knowledge and understanding of the applicant’s work is to support
and recommend the applicant for Principal Fellow. You have been chosen by the applicant because
you are able to comment from at least one of the following three perspectives:
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
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3.
You have close knowledge of the applicant’s work
You work in a different institution to the applicant and have knowledge of their work
You have been directly influenced by the practice of the applicant
What information do I need to provide?
We are looking for evidence of commitment to and effectiveness of sustained leadership and impact
at strategic level rather than general academic achievement.
Comment on the applicant’s most recent roles and responsibilities and use your knowledge and
awareness of their work to provide examples in your recommendation. Provide practical examples
of how their work has supported, influenced and impacted you directly and/or that of others. Your
recommendation should primarily refer to the applicant's experience and achievements in learning
and teaching. Base your recommendation on how the applicant meets the dimensions of the UKPSF
at Descriptor 4, using your knowledge of his/her work, experience in effective strategic leadership
and academic development within the context in which the applicant works.
You should refer to the applicant's experience and achievements in their strategic teaching and
learning responsibilities. Similarly, please comment on any evidence of effective organisational
policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting others and/or contribution to
University of Sunderland (based on HEA Advocacy guidance for D4)
developments in learning and teaching at an institutional level. You may also comment on the
applicant’s contribution to national initiatives in developing approaches to learning and teaching.
You should refer to the national or international context in which the applicant has worked. Comment on any
evidence of strategic impact and influence in relation to learning and teaching that extends beyond the
applicants own institution.
There is no fixed word limit for your comments but we would suggest around 400 - 500 words as a typical
length.
4.
How do I provide my recommendation?
You may find it helpful to comment under the Dimensions of the UKPSF identified within the
Account of Professional Practice. The dimensions of the UKPSF for Descriptor 4 are listed below.
Please provide an electronic copy of your recommendation to the applicant and ensure that it
includes
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your name;
job title (where applicable);
institution (including department where applicable);
email address (we may wish to contact you to clarify points in your
recommendation);
the perspective from which you are providing your recommendation.
The Higher Education Academy’s Professional Recognition Scheme for Principal Fellow
aligns to the dimensions of The UK Professional Standards Framework and focuses on
Descriptor 4:
An individual working in this category demonstrates a sustained record of effective leadership in academic
practice and academic development as a key contribution to high quality student learning. Individuals should
be able to provide evidence of:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Active commitment to and championing of all Dimensions of the Framework, through work with
students and staff, and in institutional developments
Successful, strategic leadership to enhance student learning, with a particular, but not necessarily
exclusive, focus on enhancing teaching quality in institutional, and/or (inter)national settings
Establishing effective organisational policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting
others (e.g. through mentoring, coaching) in delivering high quality teaching and support for
learning
Championing, within institutional and/or wider settings, an integrated approach to academic
practice (incorporating, for example, teaching, learning, research, scholarship, administration
etc.)
A sustained and successful commitment to, and engagement in, continuing professional
development related to academic, institutional and/or other professional practices.
University of Sunderland (based on HEA Advocacy guidance for D4)
The Higher Education Academy, Guidance Notes for Advocates, Principal Fellow, March 2012.
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