Dr Steve Briggs was awarded the Principal Fellowship for demonstrating effective strategic leadership in academic practice and academic development.

Dr Briggs’ work as co-chair of the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education, as well as his leadership in the development of a national recognition scheme for Learning Development Practitioners in the UK, led to him being awarded the Principal Fellowship.

Dr Briggs said: “The field of Learning Development has really expanded over the last few years and I have been fortunate to lead some interesting and exciting initiatives during this period. I really appreciate that this work has been recognised through a PFHEA award.”

Bedfordshire’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mary Malcolm said: “I am delighted that Steve’s effort and insight in supporting the highest possible levels of student achievement have been recognised through this prestigious level of accreditation by the HE sector’s professional body.  His work in leading specialist teams at the University, and in supporting our academic experts in their support for student learning, continue to be a vital element in our students’ achievement of excellent academic outcomes.”

To be awarded the Principal Fellow, an individual must demonstrate effective strategic leadership in academic practice and academic development as a key contribution to high quality student learning.

This includes:

• Active commitment to and championing of all Dimensions of the UKPSF Framework, through work with students and staff, and in institutional developments;
• Successful, strategic leadership to enhance student learning, with a particular, but not necessarily exclusive, focus on enhancing teaching quality in institutional, and/or (inter)national settings;
• Establishing effective organisational policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting others (e.g., through mentoring, coaching) in delivering high quality teaching and support for learning;
• Championing, within institutional and/or wider settings, an integrated approach to academic practice (incorporating, for example, teaching, learning, research, scholarship, administration, etc.);
• A sustained and successful commitment to, and engagement in, continuing professional development related to academic, institutional and/or other professional practices.