Process for application for Academic Progression

What is Conferment/Academic Progression?

Route/ Process / Academic Progression / Conferment
What / Progression to:
•Lecturer/Research Fellow/Teaching Fellow
•Senior Lecturer/Senior Research Fellow/Senior Teaching Fellow
Substantive posts / Conferment to:
•Associate Professor or Reader in a named academic specialism
•Professor of a named academic specialism or generic
Academic titles; substantive posts when advertised as such
How / Application through the annual academic progression process or through the recruitment process / Application through the annual conferment process or through the recruitment process
Who / Faculty Executive Group (FEG) / FEG and Committee for the Conferment of Academic Titles

Criteria and description

Level / Job Titles
1 / Assistant Lecturer
Research Assistant
2 / Lecturer
Research Fellow
Teaching Fellow
3 / Senior Lecturer
Senior Research Fellow
Senior Teaching Fellow
4 / Associate Professor
Reader
5 / Professor

The standard job descriptions and person specifications for each level can be found here

Application process

  • A completed application form indicating clearly how achievement against each of the requirements within the standard job description is evidenced. Job descriptions outline requirements in a number of broad areas. It is accepted that the relevant importance of these areas will vary, however applications for promotion should demonstrate significant contribution across several, if not all areas. Applications must be clear, accurate and informative demonstrating good written communication skills. Applications which are poorly presented may be unsuccessful, irrespective of the strength of the underlying case. The application should be no longer than four A4 pages
  • Copies of the previous years IPR / appraisal documentation. If an IPR / appraisal has not been completed or the performance levels recorded in the IPR / appraisal are considered unsatisfactory then an application will not proceed.
  • A relevant and up-to-date curriculum vitae which supports the application and which includes a full publication summary, with links to appropriate websites, clearly indicating refereed work.
  • A 300 word plan for personal development, contribution and impact over the three years following promotion. The plan will form part of the annual performance review.
  • Relevant supporting evidence should be appended. This should be focussed and succinct, and it should be clear how it supports the application. Excessive amounts of irrelevant evidence will not help the application
  • Statements of support from external colleagues may also be submitted where applicable but this is not a requirement.

The panel considering applications for promotion will also have:

  • A written statement from the Head of School / Line Manager, commenting on the applicant’s contribution and achievements and supporting the application.
  • Relevant KPI’s for the Department/Course etc. will be available for consideration. Where such KPI’s are not positive the application may not be taken forward