As the University of Bath’s first Principal Fellow, Dr Rachael Carkett has used her own professional development, learning experiences and expertise in academic development to support and enhance teaching practice, advise on policy and strategy, and encourage best practice in a variety of learning contexts. She has worked with a number of UK and international institutions as an advisor and External Examiner/Reviewer to help maintain high standards of her profession throughout the HE sector.
An Educational/Academic Developer since 2000, Rachael thrives on creating inclusive learning and development opportunities for staff. Employing a humanistic pedagogy that celebrates diversity, Rachael empowers individuals to transform their teaching practice enhancing the student learning experience.
A qualified Coach, Mentor and Strengthscope Practitioner, Rachael’s expertise is recognised in her ability to establish meaningful one-to-one working relationships with colleagues who need support with their teaching. In her wider institutional role, Rachael has designed, initiated and manages the Bath Scheme for the Professional Recognition of Teaching and Supporting Learning to enable experienced staff to achieve Fellowship. Following the successful introduction of the scheme, Rachael as Director, has also established a distributed model of support through the introduction of 24 (mainly academic) Bath Scheme Champions representing each department/division and many professional services in the University.
Rachael contributed to the development of the UKPSF when first introduced. As an Advance HE Accreditor for over 13 years, she has continued to influence and shape Fellowship and Accreditation policy and practice. She is a Senior Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and has had a long-standing commitment to this professional body; in particular to the SEDA Professional Development Framework (PDF) as a mentor and accreditor of UK and overseas professional development programmes. Rachael was Co-Chair of SEDA PDF Committee 2015-2018.
Rachael has established and contributed to various networks supporting peers and colleagues from her profession. A mature first-generation student with a non-traditional background into HE, Rachael demonstrates a commitment to life-long learning. Rachael’s first degree was a BSc(hons.) Psychology. Postgraduate and PhD studies were followed by research assistantships and lectureships. Rachael has taught undergraduate and postgraduate (taught) students from different departments and disciplines.