Professional Development Framework for Programme Leaders

The research undertaken confirmed that the programme leader role:

• is largely ill-defined and unsupported within higher education;
• with little in the way of formal professional development to support programme leaders.

Based on the outcomes, a professional development framework for programme leaders is proposed.  There are three strands with linked but distinct aims and curricula:

• Strand 1: supporting new programme development 
• Strand 2: supporting the transition of new programme leaders 
• Strand 3: supporting the ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) of experienced programme leaders.

Essential to each strand, however, is the use of a formal mentor, peer support and a portfolio of professional practice.

The spirit and ethos in which the framework should be achieved, can be found in the recommendations for professional developers.

Read the Executive Summary of the report for more detailed information.