This research report explores how higher education institutions (HEIs) reward teaching excellence through promotion and career progression. In particular, the project focuses on structures, policies, processes and practices that embed recognition and reward for university educators in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Co-created with sector experts and informed by participants from member HEIs from the UK, Australasia and Ireland, the project considered how promotions to senior roles are currently configured and administered, particularly for those in teaching-focused career paths. This report draws out the perspectives of those working in our institutions, and rightly challenges leaders, agencies and practitioners to continue to work together to get both the support for, and recognition of, great teaching and learning.
Alongside the report will be a series of Windows into practice. These are short case studies from around the world looking at the reward and recognition of staff in teaching and learning roles.
Download the report and five Windows into practice below.
Published On: 21/02/2025
Embedding reward, recognition and promotion in teaching & learning
Report into reward and recognition of teaching staff in UK, Australian, New Zealand and Irish higher education
Published On: 12/03/2025
Windows into practice – Recognising and rewarding diversity in teaching and scholarship careers at Nottingham Trent University
Case study as part of the T&L careers report
Published On: 26/03/2025
Windows into practice – Measurements of impact for teaching at University of Queensland
2nd case study as part of the Teaching and Learning Careers report
Published On: 09/04/2025
Windows into practice – 20 years of growth: reflecting on the work of the Teaching and Learning Centre at University College Cork
Teaching and Learning Careers Window into practice from University College Cork
Published On: 23/04/2025
Windows into practice – Mentorship and support collaborations: Learning Innovation and Teaching Excellence Centre and The Curtin Academy
T&L Careers case study from Curtin University Australia
Published On: 07/05/2025
Windows into practice – Advancing culture through community building and capacity development – University of New South Wales, Australia
Case study from the University of New South Wales on recognising and rewarding teaching and learning staff
Published On: 29/05/2025
Windows into practice – Embedding Excellence: A Decade of Professional Development and Recognition – Harper Adams University, UK
Discover how Harper Adams University built a comprehensive culture of teaching excellence over 10 years, achieving 75-85% Fellowship rates through integrated professional development, student-led awards, and promotion pathways that recognize diverse academic contributions across all staff.
Published On: 15/07/2025
Windows into practice – Developing and Growing Learning and Teaching – Western Sydney University, Australia
Western Sydney University promotes teaching excellence through initiatives like the Teaching Excellence Awards and WEFS, focusing on development over recognition. Coaching, mentoring, and reflective practice support continuous improvement, fostering a student-centered learning culture that prepares graduates for a complex, global world.
Published On: 28/07/2025
Windows into practice – Academic Development: Supporting Capabilities and Career Development – Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Discover how Victoria University of Wellington fosters teaching excellence through its Centre for Academic Development, with tailored programs like VECAP supporting early career academics and promoting professional growth across the university.
Published On: 11/08/2025
Windows into practice – Horizon Educators: Competitive Education-Focussed Roles – University of Sydney, Australia
Discover how the University of Sydney’s Horizon Educators recruitment and Academic Excellence Framework are transforming education-focused academic careers, elevating teaching excellence, and reshaping recognition and reward across disciplines.
