Support for institutions

We help higher education providers to enhance their learning and teaching provision and to manage challenges brought about by ongoing changes in the sector.

UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF)

The UKPSF provides a general description of the main dimensions of the roles of teaching and supporting learning within the HE environment.

It can be used to facilitate and support the design and delivery of initial and continuing education development programmes and activities within HEIs, demonstrating to students and other stakeholders the professionalism that staff and institutions bring to teaching and support for student learning.

It can also be used to support senior staff seeking to develop policies and systems for the recognition and reward of teaching and learning support staff.

The Framework is the backbone of our accreditation and professional recognition services.

Accreditation services

The HEA accredits initial and continuing professional development programmes delivered by higher education institutions. Accreditation provides external confirmation that institutional provision is aligned with the UK Professional Standards Framework.

Change programmes

Our change programmes help higher education institutions to facilitate strategic change to enhance the student learning experience.

Key among these programmes is the annual Change Academy programme, a service we offer with the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. This includes specific development opportunities for nominated team leaders, an ongoing support network, and a four-day residential providing a creative environment in which the whole team can focus on planning and developing strategies for lasting change.

Change Academy is a unique service that provides access to consultants with national and international experience, dedicated support from the Higher Education Academy and the Leadership Foundation, and a wide range of resources.

Student experience surveys

National Student Survey (NSS)

We support institutions and disciplines to interpret and use NSS data to make improvements in learning and teaching. In addition to disseminating research and examples of good practice, we produce subject specific analyses of the data, and support institutions and departments in exploring and understanding their results.


Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)

Our postgraduate experience surveys are a unique service, providing a user-friendly way of collecting information about what postgraduate students think about their experiences.

Institutions can benchmark their results against those for the sector aggregate. The focus is firmly on enhancement and the ability to share effective practice between higher education institutions.

Policy

We work with partner organisations and national bodies to inform, influence and interpret policies that affect learning and teaching in higher education.