York Research Supervisor Recognition Programme

Reflective practice is central to professional growth, yet supervisors rarely have structured opportunities to step back and evaluate their approach. This programme provides a guided process that combines peer mentoring circles and workshops on supervisory pedagogy to support supervisors in enhancing their reflective capacity and, where appropriate, preparing applications for formal recognition through the UK Council for Graduate Education for their supervisory practice.

Designed to complement York's work on research culture, this year's programme has been developed as part of the Next Generation Research Supervision Project (RSVP). It is open to supervisors from all disciplines and levels of experience, including postdoctoral researchers and technicians who may be informally involved in supervision.

What’s involved?

The programme of support comprises four components, by the end of which participants will be able to:

recognise the role and value of reflective practice in research supervision
apply the Good Supervisory Practice Framework to evaluate and evidence their supervisory approach
share experiences and strategies with peers through structured mentoring circles
engage with key pedagogical concepts in supervision and integrate them into their practice
develop evidence and reflective writing to support applications for recognition of supervisory practice.

Part 1: Introductory session

Attend a 60-minute session outlining the process of gaining recognition for your supervisory practice. Book your place for the Gaining recognition for your supervisory practice session.

Part 2: Peer mentoring circles

Meet with colleagues in peer mentoring circles to reflect on your practice (estimated time commitment of five to six hours over a similar period of months)

Part 3: Supervisory pedagogy workshop

Engage with a 90-minute workshop on supervisory pedagogy - either as a single session or through self-directed learning. Book your place for the Pedagogy on research supervision workshop.

Part 4: Application for UKCGE recognition

Prepare your application for the UKCGE recognition award (Associate or Full, depending on experience), incorporating feedback from peers and one-to-one support. Time commitment will vary by individual.

Contact us

Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP)

rsvp-admin@york.ac.uk

“Engaging with the UKCGE programme was extremely helpful as it allowed me to reflect upon, and develop, my supervisory practices. It enabled a consideration of what ‘best practice’ might look like in terms of supporting PGRs and also a consideration of the many faceted nature of supervision, from the technical to the pastoral. A recognition that each student is navigating their own journey and how I, as a supervisor can enable that, was an important realisation that came through this process.”

What does it cost?

The cost of the application will be covered by the University as part of the research culture funds.

What’s in it for you?

Opportunities to meet and share practice with supervisors from across a range of disciplines
A broader set of approaches to apply to apply to PGR supervision
Improved self awareness, meta-cognition and confidence
Increased awareness of ways in which to support PGR resilience, a growth mindset, and mental health and wellbeing
A formal recognition of your commitment to quality supervision that can be used to support applications for funding (Doctoral Training Entities), fellowships, grants, Athena Swan, the Concordat to Support the Development of Early Career Researchers and to support your personal profile. All recognised supervisors are supplied with the logo to use on email signatures, social media, LinkedIn etc.

“Reflecting on my supervision with supervisors from other disciplines was useful. I didn’t realise until we discussed it that nearly all my supervisees have been international and that I’d developed an approach to suit them and their needs. I was humbled to receive this recognition which I have included in my research page. Since receiving this recognition, I have received many excellent PhD applicants interested in working with me and many indeed have joined my research team - an experience that I have found most gratifying.”