Mr Frank Lyons

National Teaching Fellow 2003 A lifelong learner at the University, Frank taught sociology from 1968 to 1990 before starting to develop customer-focused approaches to learning in the workplace in 1991. These work-based learning initiatives in the University subsequently have included foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in sales management, applied bio-medical science, community justice (probation), flight testing, early years education, information operations, logistics, business, management, computing and engineering. These learning in work degrees have been tailored to the professional development needs of individuals, or to meet the requirements of professional institutes and business organisations. From 1992-2004 he was Director of the University's Partnership Programme, the learning at work degree scheme through which Bachelor's and Master's employed students, in collaboration with their employers and university tutors, to design their own learning programmes using Learning Contracts as educational management tools. In 2005 Frank was appointed as Director of the CETL 'FoundationDirect'. This CETL provides online support for Foundation degree students through Professional Development Units, APEL guidance, pre entry guidance andMentor training for the in company supporters of these work-based learners. As well as this online support, Foundation Direct offers a duty tutor system anddrop in facilities. Frank is a leader and innovator in the areas of work-based learning and employer engagement, corporate degree partnerships, foundation degrees, the accreditation of prior and experiential learning and mentor support.  Other relevant achievements and activities: Presenter at more than 60 national and international seminars and conferences from 1988 to date. He has been a consultant on work-based learning, APEL and foundation degrees for UK and international universities and visiting fellow at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia in 2004 and at Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory and Victoria University, Melbourne in 2006 and University of Southern Queensland, 2008. He has contributed to UK Government advisory panels and his work on the Partnership Programme was commended in the Dearing Report on Higher Education in the UK (1997).