CPD Route

The FLAIR CPD scheme is a non-taught route. It is for experienced colleagues seeking to gain Fellowship of Advance HE in recognition of the work they do in teaching and supporting learning.

In May 2024 FLAIR was successfully reaccredited by Advance HE for another 4 years. The scheme was accepted with zero recommendations or caveats.

The University of Reading is empowered to award three categories of Fellowship, underpinned by the Professional Standards Framework (PSF):
- Associate Fellowship (D1)
- Fellowship (D2)
- Senior Fellowship (D3).
Written applications are accepted for all categories but for D3 we also offer a dialogic option.

Benefits

The scheme contributes directly to three of the four strategic pillars outlined in the University Strategic Plan 2020-2026. It is designed to empower colleagues in a number of ways; to gain recognition for good practice in relation to enhancing the student experience:

Principle 1: Community

Become part of an active community, working collaboratively to develop and share good practice within the University.

Principle 2: Excellence

Thoughtfully design and deliver effective teaching, underpinned by data and scholarship.
Demonstrate that an enhanced student learning experience is at the heart of what you do.

Principle 3: Impact beyond our campus

Clearly articulate impact supported by evidence. The scheme itself provides international recognition of good practice.

Impact

Since 2014 the CPD scheme has successfully enabled many colleagues to achieve Fellowship. As of Sept 2024 there have been a total of 555 Fellowships awarded across all categories.

The University of Reading now has a high proportion of Teaching colleagues with the recognition of excellence. FLAIR as a whole has contributed to a percentage increase from 53.9% in 2019 to 84.3% by 2023. In contrast, the sector average has remained stable at half that; around 40%.

The scheme provides the opportunity for colleagues to gain recognition for their good practice. Fellowship is a demonstration that our programmes continue to underpin a rewarding student experience across the University.

Headlines - FLAIR CPD Scheme

Ensuring that colleagues have the option to apply for Fellowship through the CPD scheme is an important factor in realising the University commitment to quality teaching and learning.

Testimony

The impact of the CPD scheme is recognised across the institution and actively supported at a strategic level:

“The University strategy puts excellence in education at its core. Through reflection, research, professional development and growth, the FLAIR CPD scheme is here to enable colleagues to deliver the excellent education and experience each and every student deserves” Professor Robert Van de Noort: FSA PFHEA Vice-Chancellor University of Reading

“The Flair CPD scheme is a really important part of what we do to recognise the work of our professional and academic colleagues. It is highly regarded within and between institutions, and valued when applying for new roles, pursuing promotion, or securing funding. As a principal fellow and former graduate of the scheme myself, I can personally attest to its benefits and would strongly recommend it to anyone seeking to enhance their professional development.

The scheme plays a crucial role in allowing colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of their own practice and its impact, and this reflection is instrumental in promoting excellence in teaching and learning here at Reading.

By becoming part of an active community colleagues can collaborate and share best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the University and enhancing the learning experience for all our students.” Professor Elizabeth McCrum, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, University of Reading, PFHEA. Hear Professor Elizabeth McCrum talking about the scheme.

What next?

All the information you will need can be found within these webpages:

Applying for Fellowship: More detail on the scheme and how to apply.
Support for applicants: Contains support material and resources for each category of Fellowship.

CPD Scheme contacts

The CPD scheme is maintained and operated by a core team of two. Please feel free to contact us for information and feedback bookings as appropriate:

Aaron Cooper: Aaron is the CPD Scheme Manager and accreditor for Advance HE. Aaron is responsible for chairing the review panels and constructing the final feedback forms. Aaron will also conduct draft feedback sessions and offer some insight on how to address the criteria and align with the PSF.

Lisa Munday: Lisa is the CPD Scheme Support and Development Administrator. Lisa will be your point of contact for enrolments and updates.

Note on the new PSF

Advance HE released the PSF in January 2023. This replaced the UKPSF which launched in 2011 and has been in use since. The new Framework has been the subject of a lengthy consultation process with the sector and Advance HE are staggering the transition for direct applications; accepting both the UKPSF and PSF for a period of time. The University of Reading, along with other accredited institutions have a period of two years to transition. From Jan 2025 we will no longer be able to upload results from any submissions made against the UKPSF.

Our final UKPSF panels will take place in November 2024 and the submission deadline for this panel is 06 November 2024. The November panel will be the first opportunity to submit an application against the PSF 2023. As a result, November will be the only mixed framework panel.

We will shortly be announcing a series of introductory sessions to support reviewers and applicants with the transition to the new framework.