Principal Fellow of the HEA (PFHEA) - Descriptor 4
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In this video, Gillian will introduce the Principal Fellow of HEA, also referred to as Descriptor 4. (Click on the icon to your left to view the video in a new window.) |
Additional information
Individual recognition is focused on expertise, impact on student learning and context and is NOT determined by role. However, illustrative guidance is provided in the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning (2011) on typical roles or career stages broadly associated with Principal Fellowship.
Descriptor 4 is distinctly different to the other Descriptors. A more detailed exploration of what is required for Descriptor 4 can be found in Framework Guidance Note 2: What are the Descriptors at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ukpsf in the section titled Using Descriptor 4.
Here at YSJU we have translated the criteria of D4 into a self-evaluation document. You may find this helpful to reflect on as you gather your evidence.
Application process
Option One
York St John University staff can be recognized as Principal Fellows of the HEA via the Professional Dialogic route within Recognising Academic Practice: The York St John University CPD Framework. This route consists of:
- Attending an initial 3 hour workshop that provides support and guidance as to how to collate your evidence that you meet the requirements of Descriptor 4 of the UK Professional Standards Framework for Teaching and Supporting Learning (2011) based on evidence from your L&T practice within an e-portfolio
- Attending 2 professional dialogue meetings to talk about your practice with a mentor and how it relates to the requirements of descriptor 4. During these dialogues reference will be made to your portfolio.
- Completing a self- assessment document that will ask you to map how your evidence meets the requirements of descriptor 4
- Providing statements of support from three advocates who are in a position to comment on your abilities as linked to the descriptor four of the framework. The advocates must include at least one who is a Fellow (or Senior or Principal Fellow) of the HEA, another who is able to comment on the ways in which you have directly influenced their own practice and be from a UK HEI. Additionally there is an expectation that one of your advocates will be external to our institution.
- Attending a final dialogic assessment panel to explore how you meet the criteria of the UKPSF appropriate to descriptor 4, that you have identified as relevant to your own practice through a formal conversation and the evidence you have provided in your portfolio. This panel will consist of a member of the senior leadership team and a representative from the Higher Education Academy.
Option Two
Recognition as Fellow can also be gained through a paper route. This consists of:
- A written account of 4500 word account that provides evidence of a sustained and effective record of impact at strategic level as part of a wider commitment to academic practice and strategic leadership in teaching and enhancing the student learning experience at institutional, national and international settings. The evidence supplied must demonstrate how the applicant meets the requirements outlined in descriptor 4 of the UKPSF. The application will consist of a 1500 word account that demonstrates how your practice has developed over time and will include key activities/events/development that have influenced you and enabled you to make an impact strategically in a successful and effective manner. As you will not necessarily have immediate contact with learners, you will need to draw on examples which illustrate understanding of the use and the value of the UKPSF and how through others you impact on the students’ learning experience. The second part of the application is two 1500 word case studies.
- Providing statements of support from three advocates who are in a position to comment on your abilities as linked to the descriptor four of the framework. The advocates must include at least one who is a Fellow (or Senior or Principal Fellow) of the HEA, another who is able to comment on the ways in which you have directly influenced their own practice and be from a UK HEI. Additionally there is an expectation that one of your advocates will be external to our institution.
Further Guidance
If you would like further information on becoming a Principal Fellow, or wish to link with others undertaking this process, please contact Mandy Asghar.
