CPD Scheme
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.
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). A dialogic option is also available at D3.
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. Also, 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
The University of Reading has a high proportion of Teaching colleagues with recognition of Fellowship, The number of Fellows at UoR has risen from 59% in 2020, to 98.4% in 24/25. By contrast, the sector average has risen from 39% to just over 50% in the same period. The outperformance of the sector average is a consistent positive trend.
The CPD 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.
We have now made 617 Fellowship awards from the introduction of the Scheme up to July 2025.
Completers report positively on a range of benefits, with three in particular aligned to the University Strategic aims 2026
- Community 79%: Being part of a teaching and learning community
- Excellence 84%:Enhancing own T&L practice
- Impact 60%: Impact beyond campus
99% of responders reported to understanding their own practice better as a result of engagement with the scheme:
Feedback from our External Moderator reinforces the schemes robust but constructive/supportive nature.
- The standard of assessment is very high, and great attention is paid by applicants and assessors to signpost and identify the PSF.
- The quality of feedback to applicants for both awarded and referred applications is high.
- Allowing ‘space’ for challenging applications to be discussed to ensure the final outcome is rigorous, fair and in line with the PSF.
Testimony
| Author | Testimony |
| Professor Robert Van de Noort: FSA PFHEA Vice-Chancellor University of Reading. | “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 Elizabeth McCrum, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, University of Reading, PFHEA. |
“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.”
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What next?
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Applying for Fellowship: More detail on the scheme and how to apply.
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Colleagues who already hold Fellowship have the opportunity to support the scheme as a Reviewer or Critical Friend.
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.