Manchester Metropolitan University

About the Scheme

In May 2006 the Directorate re-affirmed MMU’s commitment to a high quality learning experience for all our students by approving the revised scheme for Senior Learning and Teaching Fellowships. The new scheme came into being from September 2007, with three major changes from the previous arrangements. Thus, Senior Learning and Teaching Fellowships are now permanent appointments at PL level. Moreover, A Senior Fellowship now allows the postholder to divide responsibilities between learning and teaching leadership and other duties in teaching, research, enterprise and administration, with a recommended 40/60 split. As before, SLTFs are allocated across the institution but now using Faculty FTEs as a guide. It is envisaged that up to 25 SLTFs will be appointed across MMU with larger faculties appointing four Senior Fellows, smaller Faculties appointing two or three Senior Fellows. SLTF posts are advertised periodically within Faculties, in consultation with the Head of the Centre for Learning and Teaching.

Senior Learning and Teaching Fellows are expected to provide leadership and contribution in Learning, Teaching and Assessment across a Faculty. In forming part of a cohort of Senior Learning and Teaching Fellows across the institution, postholders will contribute to, and draw from, a cross-institutional expertise.

Senior Fellows are expected to:

• lead and contribute to learning and teaching developments within their faculty.
• participate fully in quality enhancement schemes, initiatives and interventions.
• join a community of leaders in learning and teaching across the institution.
• Contribute to Academic Development Committee and Sub-Committee at institutional and Faculty level, as required.
• Contribute to Working Groups and other initiatives arising from Academic Development activities.
• disseminate good and interesting practice in learning and teaching.
• mentor and encourage other staff in learning and teaching innovation.
• contribute to evaluation and research relating to innovation in learning and teaching.
• take a lead in co-ordinating a response to identified staff development needs regarding learning and teaching.
• contribute to Academic Practice Development through an engagement with the institution’s APD Framework provision.
• assist academic staff in securing membership of The Higher Education Academy.
• take a role in the promotion and encouragement of strong links between disciplinary research and learning and teaching practices within disciplines.

Development of the Senior Learning and Teaching Fellow’s individual role and contribution takes place in Professional Development Review, conducted jointly by local line managers and the Head of Learning and Teaching.

In order to recognise the contribution that people make, the Scheme also allows for the title of Senior Learning and Teaching Fellow to be awarded, without resource implications, to those who already hold similarly remunerated posts, but who, it is felt, are already making an outstanding contribution to learning and teaching development across the institution.

It should be evident from the role description that, to be successful, a candidate will already have a profile of experience, success and leadership in learning and teaching. They will have a history of achievement and they will be able to argue, with evidence, that leadership, support, innovation and effective dissemination will flow from their occupancy of the role. These are senior roles, and only candidates that match this rigorous specification should consider applying. The new Scheme will provide a basis for building greater capability in learning and teaching development across the institution, so the Scheme will be careful to recruit only those who have a genuine interest in, and an aptitude for, this special work.

About the SLTFs

Click on a name for details of a Fellow's work.