Introduction to SFHEA

Senior Fellow (SFHEA) is the appropriate category of fellowship to recognise the work of individuals who lead and/or influence the practices of others who teach and/or support higher education (HE) learning, in a wide variety of different contexts, by providing direction, mentoring, management, encouragement and inspiration through knowledge, experience and expertise.

They are able to evidence leadership and/or influence across all 15 Dimensions of the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023)  to meet the requirements of PSF 2023 Descriptor 3.

Descriptor 3 is suitable for individuals whose comprehensive understanding and effective practice provides a basis from which they lead or influence those who teach and/or support high-quality learning. Individuals are able to evidence:

D3.1: a sustained record of leading or influencing the practice of those who teach and/or support high-quality learning

D3.2: practice that is effective, inclusive and integrates all PSF 2023 Dimensions (see drop-down menu below)

D3.3: practice that extends significantly beyond direct teaching and/or direct support for learning

The PSF Dimensions

Professional Values

V1 In your context, show how you respect individual learners and diverse groups of learners.
V2 In your context, show how you promote engagement in learning and equity of opportunity for all to reach their potential.
V3 In your context, show how you use scholarship, or research, or professional learning, or other evidence-informed approaches as a basis for effective practice.
V4 In your context, show how you respond to the wider context in which higher education operates, recognising implications for practice.
V5 In your context, show how you collaborate with others to enhance practice.

Core Knowledge

K1 In your context, apply knowledge of how learners learn, generally and within specific subjects.
K2 In your context, apply knowledge of approaches to teaching and/or supporting learning, appropriate for subjects and levels of study.
K3 In your context, apply knowledge of critical evaluation as a basis for effective practice.
K4 In your context, apply knowledge of appropriate use of digital and/or other technologies, and resources for learning.
K5 In your context, apply knowledge of requirements for quality assurance and enhancement, and their implications for practice.

Areas of Activity

A1 In your context, demonstrate that you design and plan learning activities and/or programmes.
A2 In your context, demonstrate that you teach and/or support learning through appropriate approaches and environments.
A3 In your context, demonstrate that you assess and give feedback for learning.
A4 In your context, demonstrate that you support and guide learners.
A5 In your context, demonstrate that you enhance your practice through own continuing professional development.

Who is this for? 

There is considerable variation in the different roles and responsibilities individuals have from which they lead or influence the practices of their peers in higher education. Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) is not restricted to those holding formal leadership roles. Some SFHEAs are still involved in direct teaching and learning support activities with learners and others are not. You might be carrying out considerable direct teaching and/or support for learning work with students, however, the focus of your SFHEA application will need to be on the parts of your practice where you influence and/or lead your peers’ practice.

The choice of an appropriate fellowship category is not role-dependent: you need to explore whether you have sufficient evidence of appropriate leadership in teaching or support for learning practice to make a successful application. 

Use Advance HE’s free online Fellowship Category Tool to help you work out whether SFHEA is the right category of fellowship for you at this point. Learn more in EFS Collection 1_About the REx Pathway.

In this collection

The PSF Dimensions

Who is this for?

Who is this for? 