About the Scheme
The UKAT Institutional Accreditation scheme aims to elevate personal tutoring across the higher education sector. It's a charter mark awarded to institutions that demonstrate effective, proactive, personal tutoring processes that focus on student outcomes. Accreditation signifies the institution's commitment to developing this important aspect of academic practice and enhancing outcomes for students.
UKAT Accreditation is a ‘badge of quality’ referenced against the principles of the UKAT Personal Tutoring Charter and UKAT Professional Framework. It provides a structured approach to staff development, recognition, and reward, and UKAT works collaboratively with institutions to co-create the enhancement they wish to achieve.
Benefits of Accreditation
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Recognition: Garner recognition as a leading institution dedicated to student success and the provision of personalized support. Trailblazing Role: Assume a pivotal role in shaping the future of personal tutoring in higher education across the nation. Enhanced Outcomes: Fortify student outcomes, bridge attainment gaps, and proactively address student disadvantages. |
Professional Development: Nourish the growth and professional development of staff engaged in academic advising. Network and Collaboration: Engage with a burgeoning community of Recognised Practitioners, Senior Advisors, and Leaders in Advising, fostering collaboration and best practices. |
Engaging with the Accreditation scheme has benefits for all stakeholders.
For Students
Personalised learning
Personal development & growth
Better mental health & wellbeing
Improved personal confidence in abilities and interpersonal relations
Supporting transition into and through HE
Sense of belonging
Inclusivity
Revealing the hidden curriculum
Friendships / networks
For Staff
Professional Recognition of their practice
Access to UKAT resources
Personal development
Scholarly / research outputs
UKAT Conference
Sharing effective practice,
internally & externally
Scholarship / Research
Signposting to resources
Community of practice
Professional satisfaction / connection with students
Sense of belonging
Staff Development
For the HE Provider
Staff development through UKAT Recognition scheme; training / sharing best practice; scholarship & research
Partnership working with UKAT, including access to UKAT consultancy and support
Soft power on improved student outcomes; improved student retention; closing attainment gaps; graduate attributes
Positive narrative for TEF, APP, Mental Health Charter, etc
Improved student outcomes and retention
Enhanced tutoring offer to students
For the Sector
Informing sector policy and debate
Recognition as caring institutions
Raising the profile and value of tutoring to others
Promoting equity among disadvantaged groups
International profile/networks
Principles of Accreditation
To successfully achieve accreditation, Higher Education Providers must evidence that they embed the UKAT Professional Framework and that their provision satisfies the following principles of the UKAT Personal Tutoring Charter:
Purposeful and Developmental
The institution commits to personal tutoring/academic advising being something that purposefully helps all students to focus on their future and enhance their outcomes within and beyond their higher education experience. The provision of personal tutoring/academic advising is sustainably managed by a core team of appropriate trained and experienced staff.
Compliant
The institution ensures that the personal tutoring/advising provision complies fully with all appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Supported by Trained Staff
The institution makes a commitment to its students that the staff supporting them are regularly and properly trained and supported to carry out the role.
Using Student Data and Technology
The institution recognises the value of timely and appropriate student data used by tutors/advisors to inform and guide actions for enhancing student outcomes and the student experience. The institution will ensure, where appropriate, that students have access to their personal data, empowering them to make informed decisions about their experience and outcomes. The institution commits to deploy information technology effectively to support the delivery and management of personal tutoring, and using the data provided by such systems as an evidence base for the enhancement of institutional provision.
Equitable and Inclusive
The institution acknowledges students as equal collaborators and commits to an equitable partnership with them for the creation and evaluation of personal tutoring/academic advising provision. The institution recognises that provision is designed for all students, to eliminate barriers to learning whilst actively fostering inclusivity, a sense of belonging, significance, and fair access, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported in their academic journey.
Evaluated and Enhanced
The institution commits to sustained and purposeful development of personal tutoring/academic advising provision to enhance student achievement.
Recognition and Development of Staff Practice
The institution recognises the value of the personal tutoring/academic advising role to both student and institutional success. It commits to supporting the professional development of staff and recognises and rewards the effort that they devote to supporting students through advising and personal tutoring.
Join the Scheme
To attain Institutional Accreditation, institutions must submit a successful application and maintain the Accredited Member level of UKAT membership throughout the accreditation period. Once granted, accreditation remains valid for five years. The cost varies according to the chosen level of accreditation and the size of the institution.
The UKAT Institutional Accreditation is currently in pilot with the following institutions, but we are accepting new applications to join the scheme from September 2024. Follow the Next Steps to express your interest and find out more.
- University of East London
- University of Greenwich
- University of Sunderland
- University of Winchester