Peer Support for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching
(Version 2 00 – May 13)
Guidance for heads of departments and deans on
implementing the new code of practice
ULTAC (May 13) has approved a new code of practice on peer support for the
enhancement of learning and teaching. This code replaces the previous code on the
peer observation of teaching. The revised code comes into effect from 01 Sep 13.
The following document provides a short summary of the code and gives guidance to
staff, heads of departments and deans on their responsibilities under the code.
The code of practice (and one annexe) is available at:
http://www.hull.ac.uk/policyregister/qualityhandbook/section_c_index.html.
Staff
Action required
Timescale
Explanatory note
1.
Identify your PSELT pair / group
(para. 8 & 13).
Annually

Cross departmental / disciplinary
observations are strongly
encouraged.
2.
Plan your engagement with the
PSELT process to focus on a
different aspect of teaching
activity each academic session
(para. 10). The scope of the code
includes the full range of activities
involved in teaching and
supporting learning (para. 9)
Annually

Given the personal nature of PDP,
the permission of participants must
be obtained prior to any observation
of a PDP tutorial group.
3. Plan your engagement with the
PSELT process to ensure you
work with different people in
forming your group pairs /groups
in consecutive years. As a
minimum expectation staff must
work in different pairs/ groups
every two years (para. 13).
Annually

Working in a pair or group over a
period of two years may provide
staff with the opportunity to engage
in a supported cycle of reflection,
action and evaluation
4. A range of pro-forma have been
provided to facilitate planning and
reflection during the PSELT
process. These pro-forma are
available via Annexe 1 [PSELT
website] (para. 18).
During each
engagement
with the
PSELT
process.
Identify a focus and agenda for
During each
engagement
5.
Peer Support for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
Version 2 00 – May 13
LEAP – Implementation Guide
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6.
7.
the PSELT process (para. 19 &
20).
with the
PSELT
process.
Establish the ownership and use
to be made of records and
outcomes from the process (para.
24)
During each
engagement
with the
PSELT
process.
Each eligible member of staff is
responsible for returning a
completed Confirmation of
Process & Elements Worthy of
Dissemination form to their head
of department (para. 15).

Discussion regarding the use to be
made of outputs and the level of
anonymity required will ensure
respect for individuals where
experiences are shared beyond the
peer support pair/group.

Reflections and outcomes arising
from the peer support for learning
and teaching process may provide
valuable resources for developing
applications for promotion and
professional recognition, such as
HEA Fellowship, and for appraisal
discussions.
After each
engagement
with the
PSELT
process.
Heads of Departments
Action required
Ensure that all those engaged in
teaching or supporting learning on
more than 25% of a module
participate in the scheme and all
eligible staff must have their practice
observed no less than once in every
two years.
Timescale
Explanatory note
Annually /
Every 2 years.
Eligible full-time members of fulltime member of staff must
participate in the scheme a
minimum of once in each
academic year.
Eligible part-time members of
staff must participate in the
scheme in accordance with a
schedule agreed with their head
of department.
(para. 11 & 16).
8.
Each eligible member of staff is
responsible for returning a
completed Confirmation of
Process & Elements Worthy of
After each
engagement
with the
PSELT
process.
Peer Support for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
Version 2 00 – May 13
LEAP – Implementation Guide

Strategies might include
faculties/departments showcasing
examples of good practice in their
‘away days’, development events or
learning and teaching conferences.
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Dissemination form to their head
of department (para. 15).
9.
In collaboration with the Dean
identify the appropriate level
(department / school / faculty) at
which to facilitate, annually,
opportunities for staff to share
good practice identified or
developed through the PSELT
process (para. 27).
Annually
Deans
Action required
1.
In collaboration with HoD identify
the appropriate level (department
/ school / faculty) at which to
facilitate, annually, opportunities
for staff to share good practice
identified or developed through
the PSELT process (para. 27)
Timescale
Annually
Explanatory note

Strategies might include
faculties/departments showcasing
examples of good practice in their
‘away days’, development events or
learning and teaching conferences.
Curriculum Development and Teaching Enhancement
Action required
1. CDTE is responsible for ensuring
that appropriate staff
development opportunities are
available to ensure that staff can
gain maximum benefit for
engagement with the peer
support for learning and teaching
scheme (para 14).
Timescale
Explanatory note
Ongoing
Human Resources
Action required
1.
Record data regarding
participation in the scheme will be
by the Human Resources
Directorate
Timescale
Annually
Peer Support for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
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Explanatory note
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SUMMARY OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE
The focus of the peer observation of teaching and learning support activities at the
University of Hull is developmental enhancement. The aim of the scheme is to
provide opportunities for staff to reflect on, discuss and further develop their
professional practice.
This code sets out the University’s scheme for the peer supported enhancement of
learning and teaching activities. The code articulates the University’s commitment to
assuring and enhancing the quality of student learning and to providing
developmental opportunities for teaching enhancement, of which the Peer Support
for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching process is one element. The scheme
will form part of the University’s emerging CPD Framework for staff involved in
teaching and supporting learning.
The code states that each full-time member of teaching staff must participate in the
process at least once each academic session and part-time teaching staff must
participate at a frequency to be agreed with their head of department. All eligible staff
must be observed at least once every two years.
FEEDBACK ON THIS DOCUMENT
This document is designed to assist heads of departments and deans in
implementing the requirements of the code of practice by making those requirements
more accessible. Feedback is welcomed at any time and should be sent to: Liz
Pearce, CDTE (6946, e.pearce@hull.ac.uk).
This document is available in alternative formats from
Curriculum Development and Teaching Enhancement
Copies to:
Deans
Heads of departments
Staff (via eBulletin & CDTE Newsletter)
Faculty Quality Administrators
Partner Institutions [for information]
Human Resources
Vice President (Education) [for information]
Peer Support for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
Version 2 00 – May 13
LEAP – Implementation Guide
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