Course Directors - new training

We are delighted to be offering support to Course Directors through workshops that are designed to provide practical guidance and advice. These combine the opportunities to share and exchange experiences as well as strategies for the effective leadership of learning experiences. Please take a look our APD Programme of Events to find out more.

Academic Development 

At Coventry University we are proud to have over 100 staff apprentices who have chosen to combine their employment with recognised training, to further their personal and professional career aspirations.

National Apprenticeship Week (3-9 February) allowed us an opportunity to celebrate our success for staff on programme, understand the commitment and investment made and explore how we bring workplace learning to excel individual performance.   

An event was organised specifically for staff on programme to demonstrate the positive impact, that our apprenticeship programme has on the organisation and how we aim to continue to invest in the training and development it provides. We are actively exploring where apprenticeships can fulfil business needs, scoping a pipeline of talent and progression. We plan to grow the number of programmes, as we have embraced new apprenticeship standards as they are released and as we continue to invest in our staff, students and facilities. 

A staff profile is available here on details, for what it’s like to be a staff apprentice at Coventry University

Apprenticeship Team

New Academics Network Programme

NANP is an informal monthly programme which builds on the initial university induction sessions with the aim of helping new staff to find out more about how the university works

The New Academics Network Programme (NANP) was launched in January to provide ongoing support for new academic members of staff across the university. It provides the opportunity for new staff to network with colleagues from across the faculty and university, developing a community of new starters who can provide support for each other.

The first session was delivered by Imran Ali and was focused on Learning Enhancement Technology. It was great to see so many new members of staff attend this  launch session, get to know each other and benefit from Imran’s knowledge, experience and top tips on how technology is used at the university to support teaching and learning.  

The next session will run at the end of February and will be delivered by the People Team covering areas related to HR. For further information, contact Gail Forrester-Gale.

Next session: February, Wed 26th | 1-2 PM

[ HEA CUFPA - Case Study ]

"The most valuable aspect of being a Principal Fellow is the process of application: it requires you to reflect deeply on your approach to educational strategy and I now have a much better appreciation of my personal underlying philosophies"

Dr Douglas Howat, Associate Dean (Student Experience) in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences: I joined Coventry University as a lecturer in psychology in 1996 and have progressed through various roles, including Head of Department; I have been in my current role since 2013.

When did you get your PFHEA recognition? I was awarded my Principal Fellowship in 2018.

Why is this important for you? I initially decided to apply for Principal Fellowship to gain recognition for my achievements in the strategic leadership of teaching and learning. However, while the extra letters after my name are nice to have, the most valuable aspect of being a Principal Fellow is the process of application. It is far from easy (particularly in terms of providing evidence of impact), but it requires you to reflect deeply on your approach to educational strategy and I now have a much better appreciation of my personal underlying philosophies which in turn makes me more effective as a strategic leader. I would recommend that all colleagues consider applying for a higher level of fellowship as their careers progress. It really is worthwhile.