Professional Standards Framework Review 2022

The PSF review will be sector-led, drawing on a strong evidence base and featuring a broad consultative process. A new sector-led Steering Group will oversee the review, which will be carried out by a project group of colleagues from across the sector, with Advance HE facilitating this work. Respecting both the global nature of higher education and the range of contexts the PSF is now recognised, the Steering Group and the project group have proportional international representation.

Whilst the PSF Review is underway we want to reassure colleagues that there will be no impact for those on their Fellowship journey, whether that be via an accredited programme or those who are writing a direct Fellowship application.

When the revised PSF is launched in November 2022 there will be a two-year transition period so colleagues in Advance HE’s accreditation team can work with institutions to support this transition.

PSF Review Timeline 2022 

Why is the PSF being reviewed?

It is now over 10 years since the UK Professional Standards Framework (PSF, 2011) was last updated. During that time the learning and teaching landscape within HE has changed considerably and a review will ensure the framework continues to be relevant to higher education now and in the future. The sector-led review seeks to retain the strengths of the current framework, and in consultation with the global sector, to propose any updates to build on its positive impact on learning, teaching and the student experience. 

Who is leading the process?

Advance HE is facilitating the review and a sector-led Steering Group has been established to provide oversight to the review project. This Steering Group reports to Advance HE's Peer Review Quality Committee and the Advance HE Board. the review will be carried out by a Project Group of colleagues from across the sector.

Will this affect my Fellowship application/journey?

Whilst the PSF Review is underway we want to reassure you that there will be no impact on your Fellowship journey, whether that be via your institution’s accredited scheme or whether you are in the process of writing a direct Fellowship application.

The timeline of the project aims to launch a revised PSF (2022) in November 2022. We understand that any period of change might be unsettling for anyone in the process of applying for Fellowship and we can reassure you that we will be communicating about a suitable transition period for any changes to be introduced and we will ensure that you are kept informed and are suitably supported.

What impact will this have on our Advance HE accredited provision?

We understand that our accredited member institutions will be considering the impact that any revision to the framework will have on their accredited provision. Following the launch of the revised PSF (2022) in November 2022, a transition period of two years will be in place to support institutions to make any changes in a structured, planned way and at a pace to suit them. Advance HE will work with its member institutions to develop appropriate support and plans for existing accredited schemes and for those organisations in the process of seeking accreditation. We will provide more information around this as the review progresses.

Will this affect my Fellowship status?

No – existing your Fellowship status will not be affected by the revised PSF (2022). 

How can I give my view/opinions?

We will be using the existing evidence base and data sets, as well as undertaking some initial sector consultation to create a draft revised PSF. We are planning to undertake a sector-wide consultation on this in June 2022; if you would like to be involved in this please fill in the form at the bottom of this page.

What is happening and when?

Please see this indicative timeline for the PSF Review. The project aims to launch the revised PSF (2022) in November 2022.