Frequently Asked Questions
I already have a PGCE
Do I need to seek Individual Professional Recognition if I have completed a 'taught programme' such as a PGCE?
If the programme you completed is accredited by HEA the answer is no but you will need to check that you have also completed the appropriate HEA recognition application form. Check with the relevant programme leader.
What will it cost?
If your institution is a member of the HEA and you are applying for recognition using your institution's professional development framework there is no financial cost to you. You can also apply directly via HEA Professional Recognition service but this carries a substantial charge which you would be responsible for if there is an alternative route available through your institution. Details of the HEA Individual Recognition charges are available at:
http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/professional-recognition
Who can help?
Who can help me develop my application?
Find a mentor/buddy who can help you through the process. This should be someone who is already recognised at least at the Descriptor you are aiming for. Ask your line manager to help identify an appropriate colleague or get in touch with the person in your institution who supports HEA Professional Recognition for teaching and learning support staff (this is G.Janes@tees.ac.uk for Teesside University staff).
Evidence how far back?
How far back in my career should I go to provide evidence?
The short answer is - this depends. You do need to demonstrate currency but also, particularly for Descriptors 2-4, will need to use a range of examples from your practice, over time, to demonstrate the breadth, depth and/or sustained impact required. This is an issue it can be helpful to talk over with your mentor.
What HEA advice is there?
Where do I find advice on why/what evidence meets the criteria?
There is detailed guidance and some examples are provided on the HEA website at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ukpsf in the 'What are the Dimensions of Practice?' document in the Guidance Notes section.
How do I evidence all the elements I need to?
There are a number of elements to the 3 Dimensions of Practice – how do I evidence all those I need to for my chosen Descriptor?
Although the Dimensions of Practice and the various elements of each are described individually, in L&T practice they are interactive (as illustrated in their diagrammatic representation on page 2 of the UKPSF document at: http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/documents/ukpsf/ukpsf.pdf therefore you should approach evidencing those relevant to the Descriptor you are applying for in an integrated fashion. For example, one carefully chosen example from your L&T practice could potentially evidence a number – or even all of the Areas of Activity, Core Knowledge and Professional Values.
What if I am unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful you will be given feedback on your application and an opportunity to resubmit.
Common features of unsuccessful applications include:
• Lack of familiarity and/or a poor understanding of the chosen Descriptor and/or Dimensions of Practice
• Failure to address all the relevant aspects of the chosen Descriptor
• Poor choice of examples from L&T practice
• Lack of integration in the articulation of achievement of the 3 Dimensions i.e. Areas of Activity, Core Knowledge and Professional Values of relevant to the chosen Descriptor
• A lack of critical reflection and evaluation of your activities/impact on L&T
• Poor choice of advocates/referees – choose colleagues who are familiar with your practice but also have appropriate standing in L&T e.g. external colleagues, students, more senior colleagues etc
• Lack of externally benchmarked evidence – this may be external to your own subject group, discipline, School, University etc depending upon the Descriptor you are evidencing
• Focus on role rather than personal impact on L&T
In the event your resubmission is unsuccessful you should discuss your feedback with your mentor or another trusted colleague and agree a forward plan to secure the appropriate recognition.
What if I don't have a formal leadership role?
Although it can be easier to evidence leadership when in a formal L&T leadership role because of the nature of that role and the leadership opportunities that accompany such roles, evidencing the UKPSF Descriptors at all levels should focus on the impact of your L&T practice and not your role.
How do I choose my referees?
Your choice of referees is very important. You should choose people that are:
• Familiar with you and your work
• Familiar with the UKPSF and your chosen Descriptor
• Willing to act in this capacity (don't forget to ask them!) - verifying the claims in the application and your suitability for the Fellowship claimed
• Of 'appropriate standing' in L&T. This means you should avoid choosing anyone who may be considered too close to you to give an unbiased view but also, that you should carefully consider the credibility of the person you choose. For example, where possible external colleagues and those in more senior L&T roles or who have been recognised for their expertise in L&T e.g. National or University Teaching Fellows, would be better choices than a colleague from the same teaching team/subject area or your best friend!
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