LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
PROMOTIONS ANNEXURE A
Criteria for Progression and Promotion of
Academic, Research and Teaching Staff.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CRITERIA FOR THE PROMOTION OF ACADEMIC STAFF.................................................................... 2
EVIDENCE OF CONTRIBUTION ................................................................................................................... 3
Judgment of Research Contribution..................................................................................................................... 3
Judgment of Teaching Contribution ..................................................................................................................... 3
Judgment of Knowledge Transfer/Exchange Contribution........................................................................ 4
Judgment of Enabling Contribution ..................................................................................................................... 5
Creative Output ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Criteria for Progression from grade 7 to grade 8 Lecturer ........................................................................ 6
Criteria for Promotion to Senior Lecturer (grade 9) .................................................................................... 6
Criteria for Promotion to Reader (grade 9) ...................................................................................................... 7
Criteria for Promotion to Professor (grade 10) .............................................................................................. 7
CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION FOR RESEARCH STAFF ....................................................................... 9
Criteria for progression to Research Associate (grade 7) .......................................................................... 9
Criteria for progression to Senior Research Associate (grade 8) ............................................................ 9
Criteria for Promotion to Principal Research Associate (grade 9) ...................................................... 10
Criteria for promotion to Professorial Research Associate (grade 10).............................................. 10
CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION/PROMOTION OF TEACHING FELLOWS ......................................11
Criteria for progression to Senior Teaching Fellow (grade 8) ............................................................... 11
Criteria for promotion to Principal Teaching Fellow (grade 9) ............................................................ 12
687320213
1
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
CRITERIA FOR THE PROMOTION OF ACADEMIC STAFF
Consideration of all proposals for promotion should involve assessing the individual's overall
contributions to UCL. These can best be judged under the following headings:

Research:

Teaching:

Knowledge transfer/exchange and engaging communities:
contribution to the advancement of a subject by research and
scholarship (defined as commitment to, and practice in, the acquisition and synthesis of
knowledge and understanding);
contribution to the advancement of a particular subject area through
teaching and/or by educational innovation;
contribution to quality of life or the economy through application of knowledge in practice
to the benefit of the broader community (i.e. commerce, industry and the public domain);
involvement in UCL projects to enhance engagement with the general public; and

Enabling:
contribution to management or administration or other significant
contribution to the achievement of UCL's wider goals and aims, which furthers the
discipline, and/or facilitates and enhances the personal contributions of academic
colleagues.
Promotion through the academic grades of Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and Professor
requires, by definition, evidence of scholarship. Promotion cannot be achieved on the
grounds of performance in the categories of either enabling or knowledge transfer/exchange
alone.
Individuals successful in application for promotion to professorial (grade10) level should be
aware of UCL's expectations of staff at this level. These expectations are detailed in a set of
agreed competencies which can be found at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/osd/corebehaviours/index.php
687320213
2
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
EVIDENCE OF CONTRIBUTION
Judgment of Research Contribution
Judgment of Research Contribution will require evidence for example, of all or some of the
following:

Seminal contribution(s) to the body of knowledge

Substantial record of output in the form of books, articles in refereed journals, and (in
appropriate areas) exhibitions, or other outputs appropriate to the discipline

Invitations to give seminars and lectures
speaker/discussant at international meetings

Membership of peer review bodies/committees

Leadership role in professional organisations where appropriate

Strong record of support through grants for research and travel

Established record of supervision of research students and research staff.
and
to
participate
as
principal
Judgment of Teaching Contribution
Judgment of Teaching Contribution will require evidence both of excellence and of
innovative contributions in all or some of the following:

Excellence in teaching from peer review, from student assessments and/or from
examination results

Significant contribution to the subject through outstanding scholarship, the development
of teaching and/or learning aids in the form of books, videos, computer assisted learning
materials etc

Development of new modes of delivery of the curriculum

Enhancement of teaching and learning within and beyond the candidate’s department

Receipt of a Distinguished Teacher Award.
687320213
3
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Judgment of Knowledge Transfer/Exchange Contribution
Judgment of Knowledge Transfer/Exchange Contribution to those outside the academic
community will require evidence of significant impact achieved in all or some of the
following:

Application of knowledge to improve the performance of business, commerce or
industry, through e.g. consultancy, invention disclosures, intellectual property (patent
applications, provisional patents, or patents awarded), licensing of intellectual property,
or spin-out companies

Activities which increase the engagement between the public and the discipline through
dissemination to, consultation of or collaboration with public groups

Application of knowledge to improve the performance of public sector organisations, e.g.
by informing public policy, government, or by engaging with the heritage or cultural
sector; such applications of knowledge may include building code standards,
ICT/computing standards, engineering or other standards, artistic standards, or new
surgical and other medical procedures not otherwise protectable as intellectual property

The development of practice to achieve significant enhancement of the quality of life of
a community through improving safety and sustainability and protecting the environment

Innovation in the development of organisational mechanisms to assist or support
transfer and application of knowledge to the benefit of society, e.g. industry-sponsored
contract research, schemes for employing students in industry, KTPs (Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships) and industrial secondments and training provision

The exercise of skill and craft in pursuing the highest level of excellence in a field of
practice

Innovation in technique or procedure in the exercise of a field of practice

Involvement in and development of projects supported by the UCL Public Engagement
Unit or equivalent at other institutions.
687320213
4
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Judgment of Enabling Contribution
Judgment of Enabling Contribution will require evidence for example, of:

A significant contribution to the management or administration of a department which
benefits UCL/previous institution and enhances the activities of its members

Providing an organisational framework which maximises the effectiveness of other
researchers and teachers in the department

External activity in relation to Learned Societies, Research Councils, Government
Committees etc.

Establishing and maintaining a clinical research activity of importance to the work of the
department or others in UCL.
Creative Output
Whilst creative output can be produced, or practice undertaken as an integral part of a
research process, in disciplines such as Fine Arts, Architecture and the Performing Arts,
applicants for promotion must be able to demonstrate evidence of scholarship which
contextualises and supports their artistic output, for example by published material, lectures,
papers, commentaries etc.
It is essential that applicants present the research content of non-textual outputs. In
evaluating such work in research terms consideration should be given to:

What were the key research methods used as part of the project?

What is the precise nature of the research content within the project?

Are the research methods and content interdisciplinary, and if so, how?

In what ways does the research content offer an original contribution to artistic
knowledge?

How was this original contribution to knowledge disseminated to others?

In what ways was the significance of the research content acknowledged by external
bodies?

What wider impacts have been achieved by the work?
687320213
5
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Criteria for Progression from grade 7 to grade 8 Lecturer
Progression to Lecturer (grade 8) will be dependent on a positive recommendation from the
HoD*1 and will be based on academic attainment and ability and a satisfactory standard of
work.
Criteria for Promotion to Senior Lecturer (grade 9)
All activities are taken into account and evidence of achievement in both teaching and
research is normally required. Promotion may be based primarily on excellence and
innovation in teaching; or on excellence in research at a national level together with
excellence in teaching, knowledge transfer/exchange and enabling. The promotions
committee will take into account:

Effective innovation in curriculum development, course design or the development of
teaching materials and use of a range of appropriate assessment techniques

Evidence of the successful use of a range of teaching and learning methodologies
appropriate to the discipline and evaluation of their impact on student learning

Evidence of sharing skills and experience in relation to teaching and learning within the
Institution

Evidence of a substantial contribution to the management or administration of the
department, faculty or UCL or previous institution

An appropriate contribution to the advancement of a subject by research or scholarship

Evidence of the application of knowledge through practice and/or engagement with
communities, including public groups.
687320213
6
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Criteria for Promotion to Reader (grade 9)
The predominant criterion is the research record. International recognition of achievement is
expected, together with evidence that the potential already shown will lead to continued
research achievement. The promotions committee will take into account:

Evidence of an outstanding contribution to a body of knowledge and an international
research profile with commensurate, sustained research or other outcomes appropriate
to the discipline

As appropriate to the discipline, evidence of successful collaboration with other research
teams/Institutions and significant and sustained success in obtaining research grants
(and plans for further grant submissions)

An appropriate number of research students successfully supervised and, as
appropriate to the discipline, proven success in research leadership and/or
management of a research team

Evidence (as appropriate to the discipline) of the impact of knowledge
transfer/exchange on practice, quality of life, society or culture through ongoing
engagement with communities

When appropriate given the candidate's current appointment, evidence of excellence in
teaching and/or evidence of a significant contribution to the management or
administration of the department, faculty or UCL.
Criteria for Promotion to Professor (grade 10)
There are two routes for promotion to Professor. Promotion is on the basis of:

outstanding research coupled with a strong record of teaching, knowledge
transfer/exchange and enabling
or

exceptionally innovative/creative contributions to teaching coupled with a satisfactory
record of research, knowledge transfer/exchange and enabling.
In the latter case, evidence is required that the contribution is outstanding, that it is
recognised nationally and/or internationally as such, and that it has been widely effective in
improving or enhancing teaching practice (diligent and skilful teaching practice and/or an
intensive teaching schedule are not, per se, an adequate basis for promotion in this context).
687320213
7
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
It is recognised therefore that not all candidates for promotion to Professor will meet all of
the criteria. The promotions committee will take into account:

An outstanding international research profile with substantial seminal contributions to
knowledge or other outcomes appropriate to the discipline

As appropriate to the discipline, evidence of successful collaborations with other
research teams/institutions and significant and sustained success in obtaining research
grants

An appropriate number of research students successfully supervised and, as
appropriate to the discipline, proven and sustained success in research leadership
and/or management of a research team

Evidence of contributions to peer review bodies/committees, professional organisations,
learned societies, government committees or Research Councils etc.

Evidence of developing and delivering challenging and innovative
activities/teaching materials and of evaluating their impact on student learning

Experience of introducing innovative changes to the curriculum and of a significant
contribution to the skills/knowledge base in relation to teaching and learning within an
institution and/or discipline

Evidence (as appropriate to the discipline) of a significant impact of knowledge
transfer/exchange on practice, quality of life or wider social or cultural issues through
ongoing engagement with communities

Evidence of academic leadership and a proven ability to lead, develop and motivate
colleagues, working as part of a team to achieve Department, Faculty or UCL or other
university/educational establishment goals

Well-developed enabling skills and evidence of a significant contribution to the
management/administration
of
a
department/faculty
at
UCL
or
other
university/educational establishment.
learning
*1The Head of Department (HoD) is a generic UCL title for those who report directly to the
Faculty Deans and includes Divisional and Institute Directors for the School of Life and
Medical Sciences (SLMS).
687320213
8
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION FOR RESEARCH STAFF
Consideration of proposals for promotion involves primarily assessing achievement in
research, i.e. contribution to the advancement of a subject by research and scholarship
(defined as commitment to the synthesis of knowledge and continued learning in a broad
field), or by equivalent creative and/or knowledge transfer/exchange activity.
In addition, but not mandatory, support can be gained from the individual's contribution to the
Department.
All criteria in the individual grades may not be met by all candidates but will be dependent on
the subject area of research.
Criteria for progression to Research Associate (grade 7)
The level of responsibility and the range of duties in this grade are at least equivalent to the
activities in research, scholarship and knowledge transfer/exchange activities, which would
be expected of a Lecturer. The work involved should be of such a nature likely to produce
independent, original contributions to the subject area. Support for promotion would be
gained if the candidate carried responsibility for supervising other staff in grade 6 and/or
technical staff.
Criteria for progression to Senior Research Associate (grade 8)
The candidate would be expected to have gained an independent research reputation, with
evidence of national recognition of achievement within the appropriate subject area. The
candidate should also show evidence of completed research, which has been published, as
well as a suitable publication record, as well as evidence of knowledge transfer/exchange
activities. In addition, the candidate would be expected to demonstrate potential in some or
all of the following areas:

leading a small team of researchers

being invited to give papers at conferences

serving on peer review Committee.
687320213
9
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Criteria for Promotion to Principal Research Associate (grade 9)
In terms of research and knowledge transfer/exchange achievement, promotion to Grade 9
should be considered broadly equivalent to promotion of an academic staff member to
Reader. However, consideration must be given in each case to the opportunity that the
candidate has had to build a CV of standard equivalent to this grade in view of the possible
constraints that may have been experienced due to the method of funding.
The candidate would be expected to demonstrate all the criteria for research grades 7 and 8,
but with the potential realised and evidenced by some or all of:

an extensive publication record

a record of service on peer review and policy making Committees

evidence of having attracted funding from external bodies

experience of heading a team of researchers

evidence of a significant role in the management and/or administration of a research
group or unit/department

evidence (as appropriate to the discipline) of the impact of knowledge transfer/exchange
on practice, quality of life, social or cultural issues through ongoing engagement with
communities.
Criteria for promotion to Professorial Research Associate (grade
10)
Individuals successful in application for promotion to Professorial (grade 10) level should be
aware of UCL's expectations of staff at this level. These expectations are detailed in a set of
agreed competencies which can be found http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/osd/corebehaviours/index.php.
In terms of research and knowledge transfer/exchange achievement, promotion to grade 10
should be considered broadly equivalent to promotion of an academic staff member to
Professor. However, consideration must be given in each case to the opportunity that the
candidate has had to build a CV of standard equivalent to this grade in view of the possible
constraints that may have been experienced due to the method of funding.
The candidate would be expected to provide evidence of the criteria listed above but, in
addition, the candidate would be expected to be recognised internationally in his/her field of
research. In addition, evidence (as appropriate to the discipline) of a significant impact of
knowledge transfer/exchange on practice or on quality of life through ongoing engagement
with communities would need to be provided.
Cases would need to provide evidence of well-developed enabling skills and a significant
role in the management and/or administration of a research group or unit/department.
687320213
10
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION/PROMOTION OF TEACHING
FELLOWS
Consideration of proposals for promotion involves primarily assessing achievement in
teaching, i.e. contribution to, or leadership of the strategic development, management of a
subject and/or teaching programme. At a senior level this may involve the co-ordination of
the work of a teaching team, the creation of cross-faculty and cross-institutional teaching
collaborations.
Criteria for progression to Senior Teaching Fellow (grade 8)
The candidate would be expected to have gained an established teaching reputation, with
evidence of specialist knowledge in their particular discipline and sufficient teaching and
professional experience in the subject to be able to deliver and advance established
teaching programmes. Applicants would be expected to provide evidence of some or all of
the following promotion criteria:

Recognised expertise in learning and teaching technologies, and proven experience of
establishing networks with other institutions with regard to your area of expertise

Experience of teaching Masters students and taking responsibility for course delivery at
taught graduate level

Involvement in pastoral care within the department or relating to a specific programme
and involvement as departmental/programme tutor (if requested)

A significant contribution to the management and administration of a programme within
a department/faculty including participation in teaching committees and exam boards,
and playing a leading role in admission processes

Leadership in curriculum design, course design and innovation in learning, teaching and
assessment techniques. Embracing new technologies as they develop, and applying
these to the innovative development and/or use of teaching materials

Active participation in Subject Networks/Subject Centres and establishment of crossdepartmental and cross-disciplinary networks and workshops in relation to teaching
developments and their pedagogy. Sharing experience in relation to teaching and
assessment across the department, faculty and UCL as appropriate e.g. sitting on IQR
panels

A proven track record of seeking funding to support teaching development from sources
such as JISC, Higher Education Academy, Graduate School, etc.

Playing a pro-active role in widening participation initiatives e.g. sharing ideas and
experience through organising seminars and workshops, both nationally and at
international conferences (as appropriate)

Developing own scholarship through the sifting, filtering and shaping of research
outcomes for use in teaching. Senior Teaching Fellows would be expected to show
evidence of extending, transforming and applying their knowledge from scholarship to
teaching and appropriate external activities e.g. publishing work by means of
conference papers relating to teaching a particular subject, or in high quality journals
with regard to scholarship into pedagogy.
687320213
11
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk
Criteria for promotion to Principal Teaching Fellow (grade 9)
In terms of teaching achievement, promotion to Grade 9 should be considered broadly
equivalent in complexity to promotion of an academic staff member to Senior Lecturer or
Reader, or a research member of staff to Principal Research Fellow (grade 9).
As well as meeting the Senior Teaching Fellow (grade 8) promotion criteria above applicants
are expected to provide evidence to show how they fulfil some or all of the following grade 9
promotion criteria:

Evidence of academic leadership and a proven ability to lead, develop and motivate
colleagues, working as part of a team to achieve departmental, faculty and UCL/other
institutional goals

Making a leading contribution to the formulation, monitoring, administration and review
of departmental, faculty and institutional teaching and learning related strategies e.g.
responsibility for the strategic development of a series of course modules and/or course
programme; involvement in driving forward international teaching and learning
strategies; designing and managing peer observation within the faculty/other institutions

Experience of introducing innovative/transformational changes to the curriculum and of
a significant contribution to the skills/knowledge base in relation to teaching and learning
within UCL and/or discipline

Active involvement at institutional level in strategy development in relation to teaching
and learning and involvement in/chairing of working parties as requested e.g. IQR
Panels, actively engaging in furthering the work of CALT and the Graduate School,
participating in external quality audit teams

Managing and developing the admissions process in the department and/or
faculty/previous institution

A national leadership role and/or recognition as a national authority on the teaching of
their subject, and dissemination of scholarship e.g. through organising national
seminars, workshops and/or conferences; regular contributions as a referee for journals
in the area of teaching; sitting on editorial boards of appropriate journals; advising
relevant professionals/professional bodies; publishing on practical, conceptual and
theoretical aspects of own work

Leadership of widening participation and/or public engagement initiatives in the faculty
and on behalf of UCL/other institutions

Leading on equality action initiatives related to teaching and learning in the
department/faculty/other institutions

Proven track record of co-ordinating/drafting bids for both internal and external funding

Contribution to national conferences in relation to the pedagogy of own work and that of
others and involvement in bodies such as the HE Academy

Undertaking and overseeing a range of enabling and administrative tasks necessary to
support the above duties.
687320213
12
University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk