The Impact of Engaging with a Higher Education Institution's Continuing Professional Development Scheme: The Assessors' Perspectives

This study investigates the perceived benefits to academics who assess HEA Fellowship applications in one institution. Results show that the assessors experience similar benefits from engaging with the continuing professional development (CPD) scheme as those reported by applicants. The data also indicate that the scheme nurtures a teaching-focused community of practice. By examining and discussing authentic practice from diverse subject areas, assessors contribute to the development of a cross-disciplinary consensus on teaching standards. Academic developers broker these community-based interactions, which go on to inform individual and departmental practice. Recommendations are presented to help academic developers nurture such communities in their institutions.