Dr Cathy Minett-Smith, Associate Dean at the University’s Business School is one of the first academics in the country to qualify for the Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE) award.

The award which only launched in May 2019 was developed in response to increasing pressure on universities, from students and government regulation, to demonstrate and develop teaching excellence. It addresses the issue of there being no requirement on university educators to continuously develop their practice. 

Dr Minett-Smith said: “I am delighted to one of the first Business School academics to be awarded the CMBE. It is an honour to have this recognition of all the hard work I have put in to developing and innovating teaching and learning at Bedfordshire as well as supporting the development of colleagues.”

Another three Bedfordshire Business School academics, Dr Karl Knox, Dr Mohamed Saeudy and Debra Leighton have also secured their accreditation since its launch in May with others in the process of applying.

Dr Sean Curley, Interim Executive Dean of the University of Bedfordshire Business Schools commented: “I am delighted colleagues from the Business School have secured CMBE accreditation. It sends a clear message to students considering studying with us that we are committed to attaining the very highest standards of teaching and learning. This can only be good news for our students.”

The CMBE scheme gives business and management educators a recognised professional designation as well as a framework for continuous professional development.

The news follows a very good year for the University’s Business School. In November it celebrated being the first UK business school to achieve the Business School Impact System (BSIS) award.