In the first episode of the new series, host Charles Knight, Director, Leadership, Governance & Management at Advance HE is joined by Fiona Lennoxsmith, Head of Leadership, Governance & Management, James Dunphy, former Director, Educational Excellence and David Bass, Director of EDI to discuss the work going on in their areas of expertise over the next few months.

They discuss the relevance and importance of the work we're doing, along with how you can get involved and engage with some of the events taking place over the coming weeks.

Episode 1: What to expect in 2025/26

In this episode of the "Let's Talk About Student Success" podcast, host Stuart Norton is joined by Bev Herring and Fay Short, co-chairs of the Medr Employability Community of Practice. In this season finale, they reflect on the collaborative, pan-Wales initiative that has brought together every higher education provider to tackle pressing questions around student employability, and Stuart also reveals the most popular biscuit in higher education today.

Episode 9: Employability

This month Louise and the team discuss Fellowship advocacy, and the vital part of the application process which is the Supporting Statement.

They look at what makes a good Supporting Statement, and the impact your advocate can have on your application.

Advocacy and Supporting Statements

This month, host Stuart Norton is joined by Tom Lowe from the University of Westminster, Dr David Gilani from Middlesex University, Inca Hide-Wright from Warwick Students' Union and co-host Vic Stephenson to talk about Student Engagement.

They discuss the best ways to measure engagement, the importance of adapting to your institutional context, and of course their top tip for academics looking to develop their practice on student engagement.

There is also a controversial entrant to the Edu-biscuit section, let us know in the comments if it deserves a place on the leaderboard!

Episode 8: Student Engagement

In this episode Louise and the team discuss Associate Fellowship, which aligns to Descriptor 1 of the Professional Standards Framework. This category can be applicable to a wide range of job roles and experience, including student teachers and professional service staff, as long as, as with the other categories, you can demonstrate the impact of your teaching. 

They touch on who the category is suitable for, what a successful application looks like and top tips for those thinking of applying.

Associate Fellowship/Descriptor 1

In this episode, host Stuart Norton is joined by four inspiring guests from across the education and enterprise sectors to explore the evolving role of enterprise and entrepreneurship in higher education. Michelle Phillips, Lisa McMullan, Alison Price, and Leigh Sear discuss inclusive language, student motivation, social value creation, and the future of enterprise education.

From redefining what it means to be “enterprising” to embedding real-world skills into the curriculum, this lively conversation covers the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping how we prepare students for a dynamic world. Plus, don't miss the light-hearted edu-biscuit segment celebrating National Biscuit Day 🍪.

Topics include:

 * Social entrepreneurship and value creation
 * Inclusive, embedded enterprise education
 * Practical trends: AI, microlearning, and student engagement
 * Top tips for educators to make an immediate impact

Perfect for educators, innovators, and anyone passionate about student success and future-ready learning.

Episode 7: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

This month Louise, Raj and Marita discuss all things to do with Fellowship category Fellow, which aligns with Descriptor 2 of the PSF 2023. This is the most commonly awarded category of Fellow around the world, with a community of over 129,000.

The team cover every aspect of the category, including what makes a successful application, who it is suitable for, and some top tips for prospective applicants.

Exploring Fellowship - Descriptor 2

This episode features a rich discussion on internationalising higher education with experts Professor Mark O’Hara, Professor Martha Caddell, Professor Chris Wigginton, Professor Cláudia Sarrico, Ts. Dr. Jaya Kumar Karunagharan.

The conversation explores how the concept of internationalisation has evolved from simply recruiting international students to a more comprehensive approach that includes internationalising curriculum and preparing all students for global engagement.

The experts share practical advice for educators looking to internationalise their practice, suggesting starting with small steps like virtual exchanges and international case studies while maintaining curiosity and avoiding judgment. They emphasise the importance of colleague involvement, community engagement, and celebrating successes to create a welcoming learning environment.

Episode 6: Internationalisation

This month Louise, Marita and Raj are joined by special guest and Principal Fellow Gemma Witton from the University of Wolverhampton to discuss the differences between Principal Fellowship and the other categories, how to go about producing a successful PF application from start to finish and the resources and guides available at Advance HE to help you put together your application.

Applying for Principal Fellowship

In this episode of the Let’s Talk About Student Success Podcast, host Stuart Norton is joined by co-host Karen Hustler and Accreditation Advisor Jo Davies from Advance HE, along with four guests from various universities: Dr. Jannie Roed from the University of Hong Kong, Dr. Tom Cunningham from Glasgow Caledonian University, Dan Cole from De Montfort University, and Professor Leti Gramaglia from the University of Warwick.

The discussion centres around the impact of professional recognition and development of staff on student success, highlighting the role of the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) in enhancing teaching practices and inclusivity.  The episode also explores future predictions for higher education, including the evolving role of lecturers and the integration of new technologies like generative AI. The guests share insights from their institutions and offer practical tips for implementing effective teaching strategies.

Episode 5: Staff recognition, student success

A brand new Advance HE podcast, where we'll discuss all things transformation at time when change is the new normal in higher education.

Our experts across educational excellence, leadership and governance and equality, diversity and inclusion will be joined by special guests from across the sector to help you and your institution navigate change, now and into the future.

Talking Transformation

Join host Stuart Norton PFHEA and our rotating cast of Advance HE education experts as they guide these enlightening conversations. 

From academic excellence to student wellbeing, we explore the full spectrum of student success through relaxed, engaging discussions with experts from across the higher education sector.

Let's talk about student success

Podcast from Advance HE discussing the Fellowship scheme, a globally recognised mark of teaching excellence.

We will discuss the benefits of the scheme, application tips, and welcome special guests to share their journey to achieving Fellowship.

If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch with us via email at podcasts@advance-he.ac.uk.

Advance HE

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