What is GOLD?
The GOLD (Greenwich Opportunities in Learning and Development) Professional Development Framework provides a flexible route to professional recognition for all staff, whose role involves teaching or actively supporting learning. It is accredited by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and Fellowship is recognised by the Higher Education Statistics Agency as a teaching qualification.
The GOLD Professional Development Framework forms part of continuing professional development (CPD) and builds a case towards gaining professional recognition with the HEA. Staff can gain Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy at one of four levels: Associate Fellow, Fellow, Senior Fellow or Principal Fellow.
GOLD dates for 2016-17 webinars, workshops, panel training and meetings are now available online (https://www.gre.ac.uk/offices/edu/he/gold-schedule).
Thinking of applying?
You may be hesitant to begin your application or even to start looking into the process as you may be concerned that it may take up too much time.
From the beginning, the scheme stimulates professional development through peer and mentor dialogue, critical reflection, and sharing good practice. Applicants will take part in an initial GOLD webinar before working closely with a mentor who attends the GOLD guidance workshop with you. Mentors will review work and offer feedback throughout the process.
Already a fellow? Here’s how you can engage further with GOLD Current Fellows, Senior Fellows, or Principal Fellows can become members of the GOLD panel, which meets six times a year to review applications for Fellowship. Panel members must take part in a two-hour training session with one of the GOLD co-ordinators. Acting as a panel member is evidence of continuing professional development and forging links with colleagues from other faculties and departments.
Fellows can also become mentors for GOLD scheme participants. Benefits for mentors include reviewing the strategies and techniques which other colleagues use to deliver material and engage students through taking part in a peer observation of teaching.
Are you a Head of Department?
If you are a Head of Department and thinking about encouraging your colleagues to engage with the GOLD scheme, Paul Dennison and Dr Danielle Tran as co-ordinators of GOLD can help you.
For teams of colleagues who are not very familiar with the GOLD process, work can take place around schedules to deliver an introductory workshop. During this session, groups can work together and ask any questions they may have regarding the process. The aim is to alleviate concerns and help guide people through the application step by step.
Half-day writing workshops are available for colleagues who have already begun the application process and would like support with developing their reflective writing skills.
More details can be found on our GOLD webpages:
- Information and dates relating to the GOLD scheme for the 2016-17 academic year: https://www.gre.ac.uk/offices/edu/he/gold-schedule
- Application and guidance forms can be found here: https://www.gre.ac.uk/offices/edu/he/application-forms-and-guidance
- You can also contact us directly if you wish to discuss anything further either over email or in person. Our contact details are listed below:
Dr Danielle Tran (d.f.tran@gre.ac.uk) and Paul Dennison (p.h.dennison@gre.ac.uk)