Attributes of the Workplace Adviser
Core attributes:
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Be SL or PL
Have the same (or similar) subject background as the programme participant
Have considerable experience in L&T and research in HE, i.e. at least 3 years
Have been at Northumbria for at least 2 years
For Research and Innovation:
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Be research-active
The WPA should normally not:
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Be the programme participant’s line manager and be involved in the participant’s appraisal
Desirable attributes:
For L&T and Student Experience:
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Have a qualification in L&T (e.g. PCAP, PCAPL, CPD Academic Practice, PGCE etc.) and/or be a Fellow of the HEA
Have an established internal and/or external profile in L&T and the scholarship of L&T, e.g. a University Teaching Fellow, National Teaching Fellow,
hold a L&T specific position in the School, holder of (past) peer reviewed and/or funded L&T projects (e.g. HEA awards, Subject Centre awards, CETL
awards, RiT projects, APT awards etc.), record of conference papers and publications on L&T, member of relevant committees
For Research & Innovation:
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Have an established research profile
Be research active at post-doctoral level (track record of publications, involvement in funded projects, PI etc.)
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If a WPA cannot be identified who fulfils both the attributes for L&T and for research, participants will be allocated two WPAs, one for L&T and one for
research.
Depending on their staffing profiles, Schools may decide to make some of the desirable attributes into core attributes. E.g. a School which has many
researchers who are active at post-doctoral level may decide to make this criterion a core requirement for a WPA.
Notional indication of time commitment:
30 hours over the entire programme, 15 hours per academic year
Role Description
Supported by ... / In liaison with ...
Workplace Advisers
Responsibilities for new staff
Meet allocated new staff as close to appointment as possible. Identify any
immediate needs and organise support
Understand immediate and future work requirements of new member of staff
Support the new member of staff to carry out a needs analysis using the designated
process
If applicable: assist the new member of staff to submit evidence to request
exemption from one or two modules if applicable, applying the designated exemption
strategy.
Pre-commencement of programme
Participate in developmental activity about the programme, expected standards,
assessment requirements and the role of workplace advisers within the programme
Assist the new member of staff to plan a developmental pathway (action plan)
through the programme based on the designated needs analysis process
2
School coordinator
Line manager
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
Identify participant needs not covered by existing provision
If applicable: refer new staff with considerable experience to School Coordinator for
advice on HEA Fellowship applications and APEL claims
During programme
Meet participants every 4-6 weeks (no less than twice per semester). Check progress,
review action plan and other arrangements and processes.
Gather feedback about the programme and issues affecting individual participants
Representatives of workplace advisors are members of Programme team and
Programme Committee
Contribute to teaching in own area of expertise as appropriate
Observe the new member’s of staff teaching/learning/assessment and research
practice as appropriate (e.g. peer support scheme)
Offer opportunities to the new member of staff to observe own
teaching/learning/assessment and research practice as appropriate
Provide support for the development of a learning initiative
Provide relevant information on School-specific processes and requirements in
relation to learning, teaching, assessment and research
Assessment
Provide formative feedback on portfolio evidence to participant.
Act as summative assessor for final portfolio submissions/viva, but not assessing own
advisees, if required
Provide support and evidence for PEC claim, if required
Quality Assurance & Programme Development
Representatives of workplace advisors are members of Programme Committee
Participate in development activities as appropriate
3
School coordinator, line manager
School coordinator
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
School coordinator
Programme leader
School coordinator, module tutor, programme leader
Module tutors
Module tutors
Module tutor LTSE module
School coordinator
Module tutors, programme leader
Programme leader
Programme leader
Programme leader, school coordinator