Plymouth University Human Resources

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1 Document Policy document for Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and Teaching Development Framework (TDF) Document and Educational Owner Development Document March 2013 Commencement Review date March 2014 Plymouth University seeks to employ and promote people who are suitably qualified and provide appropriate training where it is needed. There is an expectation that anyone who teaches at the university will be appropriately qualified, at the correct level, for the work that they undertake. 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide new academic employees and their managers, with information about the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and the Teaching Development Framework (TDF). The policy also seeks to ensure that academic staff at Plymouth University are professionally qualified to enable them to meet the expected professional standards and to contribute fully to the University s Enterprise mission. Refer to section 6 for policy on engagement with the PGCAP or TDF. 1.2 This policy is designed to ensure that attendance and completion of the PGCAP programme or TDF (for those with more than three years full time teaching experience in Higher Education) is undertaken in a consistent manner across the University. It outlines the accountability of the individual, their manager, the Directorate and the Educational Development team. 1.3 All new employees are appointed subject to the satisfactory completion of a probation period. The probation period allows both parties to assess the employee s suitability for the role and to demonstrate that they are able to contribute fully to the University s Enterprise mission. Where the PGCAP or TDF is a condition of an employee s probation, successful completion of the appropriate route will be a condition of their contract of employment with the University. PGCAP/TDF Policy 1

2 1. Contents of this policy 1. Purpose 2. Contents 3. Links to other policies 4. List of appendices 5. Background Information on PGCAP 6. Detailed requirements for managers, individuals and 7. Detailed responsibilities for managers, individuals and 8. How to inform the continuous development of this procedure 3. List of appendices to support implementation of procedure Appendix 1: Guidance Notes for line managers of new academic employees 4. Links to other Policies Induction Policy and Procedure Probation Policy and Procedure Capability Policy and Procedure Disciplinary Policy and Procedure Academic Regulations 5. Background Information on the PGCAP and the TDF 5.1 The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) is part of the University s induction programme for new academic staff and is run by Educational Development (ED) from the Teaching and Learning Directorate. 5.2 The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) is primarily designed for staff engaged in professional and academic practices including: teaching, learning, assessment, research and professional development within the Higher Education context. It provides an exploration of the underpinning pedagogy of teaching and learning, and support for the practical aspects of developing academic practice. It aims to equip new colleagues, working in the academic arena, with the necessary critical skills and knowledge to perform their duties competently. 5.3 The programme is accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA). As a result, participants will be eligible to become either a Registered Associate or Fellow of the Higher Education Academy once they have successfully completed the programme. PGCAP/TDF Policy 2

3 5.4 The PGCAP programme is taught in intensive bursts outside the normal teaching term but, where possible, avoiding school holidays. This is to enable all participants to be free of timetable and child-care constraints. Participants must block all the relevant dates in their diaries as full attendance on the programme is required. Please check the schedule for the next academic year which is available at The Teaching Development Framework has been specifically designed as part of continuing professional development for those who have not already gained an appropriate qualification or professional recognition as a teacher in higher education. The scheme is managed by the Teaching Development Framework Manager based in ED. tdf@plymouth.ac.uk 5.6 Staff with a minimum of 3 years full-time teaching experience in a Higher Education context can gain a Fellow of the HE Academy through the TDF route. To do this, staff will need to demonstrate successful achievement of all of the dimensions of practice of the UK Professional Standards Framework (Further information on the UK Professional Standards Framework can be found here: The TDF encourages applicants to reflect critically on their teaching experiences, and to prepare four cases studies that demonstrate the impact that their teaching innovations have had on learners and/or on other staff. The scheme also promotes critical engagement with higher education-related literature, especially literature informed by the scholarship of teaching and learning. Applicants will also need to include a review of their teaching and two references to support their application. 5.8 Depending on the applicant s experience, there is the opportunity to gain accreditation at the higher levels of Senior Fellow or Principal Fellow. Further information about the TDF can be found here: 6. Who this policy applies to 6.1 All University staff newly employed on academic/teaching contracts The flow chart below indicates which route new staff members should take towards qualification or recognition of teaching in Higher Education. PGCAP/TDF Policy 3

4 Routes towards teaching qualifications at Plymouth University Do you hold a recognised teaching qualification in Higher Education? (QTS, PGCE, Cert Ed may also be considered) Yes No Contact the PGCAP programme director to discuss your qualification status. Provide formal evidence of award, such as transcript. Do you have more than three years fulltime equivalent contracted teaching experience in Higher Education in the UK immediately prior to your current post? Do you have accreditation of your teaching from the Higher Education Academy at Fellowship level? Route 1 If your qualifications are accepted at Plymouth, you will be exempt from the PGCAP/TDF although we encourage you to consider working towards higher levels of HEA fellowship through the TDF. Contact tdf@plymouth.ac.uk No exemption is available as your qualification does not meet the requirements for teaching at Plymouth No Route 2 Full time members of staff on a permanent contract must complete the full PGCAP to fulfil their probation. Those on short term or less than 0.5 contracts will be required to undertake GTA or PGCAP700. If a staff member continues to teach in the university beyond their initial contract they will be required to complete the full PGCAP. Contact: pgcap@plymouth.ac.uk Yes Yes Route 3 You are exempt from the PGCAP/TDF although we encourage you to consider working towards higher levels of HEA fellowship through the TDF. Contact tdf@plymouth.ac.uk No Route 4 You must apply for Fellowship of the HEA through Plymouth University s Teaching Development Framework. Contact tdf@plymouth.ac.uk PGCAP/TDF Policy 4 March 2013

5 6.2 Academic employees required to complete the PGCAP Staff who have less than three years full-time experience of teaching in Higher Education in the UK directly prior to appointment, and/or who hold no relevant teaching qualification must successfully complete the PGCAP in order to meet their probationary requirements (see flow chart on previous page). Those participants for whom teaching is a major part of their contract will complete baseline of 60 M level credits, ie the PGCAP. Staff undertaking the PGCAP must have appropriate access to a minimum of 50 hours of teaching opportunities during their probationary period. This might include: lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory time, tutorials, supervision, fieldwork, placement support etc. 6.3 Academic employees required to complete the TDF Staff who have more than three years full time experience of teaching in Higher Education in the UK directly prior to appointment, but who hold no relevant teaching qualification, may apply for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy through Plymouth University s Teaching Development Framework, rather than completing the PGCAP. Those who have significantly more experience than this may apply for Senior or Principal Fellowship, as appropriate. 7. Responsibilities 7.1 The manager is responsible for: Ensuring that all new employees are familiar with the PGCAP/TDF policy, the induction and probation policies and procedures, and any other associated policies and procedures to support the employee in achieving the PGCAP/TDF Equipping themselves via the available Leadership Toolkit training so that they are competent and confident in the induction and probation of new academic staff to the standards required at the University of Plymouth Ensuring that their new staff are supported into their new job and complete the PGCAP/TDF if required Ensuring that there is regular communication with new staff regarding the expectations required of them in relation to PGCAP/TDF Ensuring progress on PGCAP/TDF is reviewed formally as part of the induction and probation meetings, and that PGCAP/TDF is completed successfully within the agreed timescale but before the end of the probation period All PGCAP programme participants will be required to complete 60 credits. For 30 credit modules participants will require the equivalent of 10 days release, for 15 credit modules participants will require the equivalent of 5 days release. They will PGCAP/TDF Policy 5

6 also need adequate access to networked computing facilities. It is the responsibility of the Head of School to: organise adequate computing facilities provide sufficient teaching opportunities - a minimum of 50 hours student contact over the academic year schedule the dates for the taught PGCAP sessions, and required study time (see above) into the PGCAP participant s diary, and ensure that these dates are protected from any conflicting activity 7.2 Each new academic employee is responsible for: Identifying what is expected of them in relation to the PGCAP programme or the TDF Ensuring their schedule is clear for the PGCAP taught sessions and private study time relating to the PGCAP or TDF Participating, engaging and successfully completing the PGCAP programme or TDF within the required timescale. TDF applicants should note that accreditation panels currently run bi-monthly, and there is a booking system. All applicants will need to register for this scheme, allowing plenty of time to re-submit if their application is not successful on the first occasion. Working with PGCAP programme team / TDF staff and their manager in identifying and discussing further development needs, their progress and any concerns with their manager in a timely manner 7.3 The Directorate is responsible for: Providing easy access and clear guidance to staff and managers regarding the PGCAP process, the Probation policy and procedure and associated policies and procedures Providing accessible development sessions for managers as part of the Leadership Toolkit training Together with Educational Development, centrally monitoring, evaluating and managing the PGCAP/TDF policy compliance. PGCAP/TDF Policy 6

7 7.4 Educational Development is responsible for: Providing and administering a Masters level Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy Supporting participants in developing a critical knowledge and conceptual base in the field of professional and academic practice Facilitating participants' critical reflection and development of their own professional and academic practice Encouraging participants to share experiences with participants from other disciplines and make an informed contribution to their communities of practice Giving constructive feedback and marking assessed elements of the PGCAP programme Supporting and administering the Teaching Development Framework which is accredited by the Higher Education Academy Providing feedback on all applications ONCE prior to submission to a TDF panel of reviewers 8. Procedures to be followed Structure of PGCAP 8.1 The PGCAP comprises of a core module and additional elective modules to meet the requirements of specialisms. A learning contract drawn up between the new member of staff, their line-manager/mentor and Educational Development will identify the appropriate modules and timeframe necessary for training and completion. Participants are advised to complete the programme within their first year of probation, wherever possible. PGCAP/TDF and Probation 8.2 An Academic employee whose contract requires them to complete PGCAP/TDF, will only be deemed to have completed their full probation on satisfactory completion of BOTH the job related stage of the probation period (as referred to in the Probation procedure) and the PGCAP qualification / TDF accreditation. 8.3 Completion of the PGCAP programme will normally take one year with the option to complete in two years. Monitoring of progression through the programme will be undertaken by the manager, ED and. PGCAP/TDF Policy 7

8 8.4 Completion of the TDF is very much dependent upon the teaching experiences and background of the applicant involved. Each applicant will be expected to demonstrate successful incorporation of subject and pedagogic research and/or scholarship, as well as successful engagement in CPD in relation to teaching, learning and assessment. This may be achieved very quickly or could take several months to acquire. Applicants are advised to attend a TDF workshop at the beginning of their probationary period in order to develop an action plan. 8.5 Completion of the probationary period is a contractual requirement and failure to meet the requirements of the TDF or PGCAP could lead to termination of employment. Details of the University s probationary processes, to include termination of employment, are included in the Probation Policy and Procedures. 8.6 New lecturers appointed to Grade 7 will, after successful completion of their full probation period, move to the minimum of Grade 8 at their next increment date (1 September) i.e. after BOTH the job related probation and the PGCAP or TDF have been notified to HR as successfully completed. Where final applications or assessments are submitted prior to 1 September but the results are communicated after 1 September (of that same year), the employee s move to Grade 8 will be retrospective to that 1st September. Mentoring and support 8.6 PGCAP participants will be asked to choose a mentor to support them through the programme. Commonly the participant will select a mentor from their own department, who has a good understanding of the particular demands of their role and an appreciation of the participant s subject area. The name of the mentor should be included on the participant s Learning Agreement, which is returned to the PGCAP course administrator. The programme administrator can provide names of possible mentors who have recently undertaken or supported the PGCAP programme to participants who would like recommendations. 8.7 TDF applicants will be provided with feedback ONCE on their application and will be offered substantial support and guidance through a workshop delivered by ED. Applicants are advised to identify a Critical Friend within their school for any additional support. PGCAP/TDF Policy 8

9 Payment for attending the PGCAP programme or TDF workshops during Non- Working Hours 8.7 Staff on fractional appointments whose attendance on PGCAP or TDF sessions is outside their normal working hours are entitled to receive payment for the sessions attended. In the case of the PGCAP, staff can claim for allocated private study (see section 7.1) The hourly rate for these claims, which will be submitted through the Head of Department/School, will be calculated using the formula Annual Salary divided by The normal University Travel and Subsistence policy will apply to all attendances. Assessment 8.9 Assessment of the PGCAP is in accordance with the approved programme documentation and will be made on a pass or fail basis 8.10 The PGCAP Award Board will decide whether attendees have successfully completed the programme and are eligible for the award of the relevant certificate. The Board will also notify so that the successful completion of the probationary period can be confirmed or not as appropriate. (See 8.5 for actions in relation to probationary failure) The TDF accreditation panel meets bi-monthly. Applications will be reviewed by two independent assessors drawn from a wider assessment and accreditation panel. The assessors will be looking for evidence that you have met the criteria for the given level of fellowship. Full details of the accreditation process can be found at: (See 8.5 for actions in relation to probationary failure). 9. Progression Routes linked to the PGCAP 9.1 The Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice provides a foundation for continual professional development. The PGCAP programme has two wellestablished progression routes: International Masters Programme in the Faculty of Education The (PG Cert) Health and Social Care Education (leading on to Diploma, MSc) in the Faculty of Health PGCAP/TDF Policy 9

10 There is also the potential for a further two progression routes to: Masters in Professional Studies Masters in Clinical Education (MClinEd) 10. How you can inform the continuous review of this procedure 10.1 It is particularly important to continue making improvements in the way we lead and develop people. The University is committed to ensuring this procedure remains fit for purpose at individual, team and organisational level. Please feedback your thoughts and comments in relation to any improvements to this procedure by to hr@plymouth.ac.uk This policy will be reviewed regularly, taking into account feedback from within the organisation, evaluation mechanisms and any changes in statutory regulations that may be relevant. 11. Contact details 11.1 For queries relating to contracts: Administrative Team +44 (0) For queries relating to existing qualifications: PGCAP Programme Director +44 (0) Teaching Development Framework Manager +44 (0) PGCAP/TDF Policy 10