Sheffield Hallam University supports fellowship development through the Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TALENT) framework. The TALENT team identifies individuals who have the experience and evidence to apply for fellowship at all levels, from Associate through to Principal (PF).
Hallam now has 13 Principal Fellows. The 2023 PF cohort was brought together for workshops and writing retreats and structured milestones were set to establish a shared timeline. The approach created a supportive environment to share and critique each other's applications.
Informal writing retreats and a WhatsApp group were also established that complemented the TALENT offer and the group even created their own fun and motivational motto: “Giddy up and write!”.
This supportive and collegial environment motivated participants to complete their applications and subsequently share in the success of gaining fellowship.
The group wish to say a big thank you to the TALENT team, and each other, for the support each individual had in writing their application. It means a great deal to be recognised for these achievements.
Each of the four new Principal Fellows share their reflections on what the journey and the achievement has meant to them:
Professor David Smith
Professor David Smith, Head of Research Department of Bioscience and Chemistry, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
"The path to being made a Principal Fellow has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. My case studies drew heavily on my work with colleges, establishing national peer networks such as the #DryLabsRealScience and Bioscience Educators Network and has led to real and tangible changes in teaching and learning practices.
“I strongly believe in the power of networks, groups and collaborative efforts as a deliberate strategy to promote the sharing and advancement of teaching practices. My case studies were mainly based on my work at the sector level, where I developed and led networks of peers to share teaching innovations and engage in peer mentoring. Initially, I didn't think that obtaining Principal Fellowship was relevant to me as I didn't hold a strategic-level role within my institution. However, I've come to realise that there are many ways to bring about positive change.
“Receiving the award highlights the effectiveness of peer learning networks and what can be accomplished when a group works together toward a common goal."
Dr Alison Purvis
Dr Alison Purvis, Associate Dean Teaching and Learning, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
"My Principal Fellow achievement has meant a lot to me because it demonstrates that I make impact nationally and internationally, in a way that my peers recognise and value.
“It has been more than 10 years since I achieved my recognition as a Senior Fellow (2011), and more than 20 years since I originally achieved Fellow status (2001), so the pathway to Principal Fellow has been a long one.
“Looking back over the 20-plus years enabled me to really reflect on what I have achieved as an individual, and particularly how my values are the golden threads that run through my work and the impact I have made. It was a self-affirming activity which also demonstrated to me just how much has changed over the last 20 years and how I have developed professionally. The Principal Fellowship application requires a focus onto the last five to seven years, and it is during this recent period that I reflected on how I have been able to use my experience and learning over my career to generate meaningful change and impact.
“The TALENT scheme and Principal Fellow cohort approach was instrumental in supporting my achievement. The peer support and community feel of the cohort was a real highlight of the experience. Writing a Principal Fellowship application is not an easy task and knowing that I had support from my peers, and by supporting others in their writing challenges, meant that I learnt a lot throughout the process.
“Reflections on my work presented in my PF application and the peer-supported writing journey both cemented how collaboration and inclusion are the essential components of making positive change."
Sue O'Brien
Sue O’Brien, Head of Institute, Sheffield Institute of Education, College of Social Sciences and Arts
"Making a difference to people's lives through education is what drives me.
“The Principal Fellow process allowed me time and space to reflect on my range of experiences as an educator in my particular context and identify where I had been able to make a positive cumulative impact on student outcomes.
“The process takes time and requires commitment, but with incredible support, I am proud to have been able to submit my application which was found worthy of this recognition.
“Having worked in leadership roles for some years in HE, I hope that my Principal Fellowship will help me to continue to influence institutional as well as sector-wide policy and practice in ways that will have a lasting impact on colleagues and students, as well as our wider communities."
Dr Jo Lidster
Dr Jo Lidster, Head of the School of Health and Social Care, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
“Gaining Principal Fellowship recently has truly been a highlight of my career in higher education. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey: networking, meeting and hearing from others who had already successfully achieved this.
“I had fantastic support from the TALENT team in preparing and writing my application, and support from peers to keep me on track.
“The aspect I perhaps enjoyed most was having space to reflect on the impact of key activities I have led over the years. These ranged from research projects to implementation of widespread policy changes, and through writing the application I could clearly see the common thread running through all of these.
“This has further motivated me to continue to influence professional and institutional practice to enhance student experience. I am also looking forward to supporting other colleagues undertaking their own Principal Fellow journeys.”
Our new fellows have shown that reflection, and collaboration are the keys to making a profound impact. Their journey to Principal Fellowship serves as a testament to the transformative power of learning and peer support.
Giddy up and make a difference!