Framework launches to improve scholarship work in College HE

A new framework which aims to enhance scholarship in the college higher education sector has been launched today. The Scholarship Framework is the main output from the Scholarship Project, led by the Association of Colleges and funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. It was set up in 2015 to help develop and embed a scholarly ethos across the college higher education sector. The resources available on the Scholarship Framework have been created to centre on advancing relevant forms of scholarly activity within technical and professional curricula as well as enhancing the learning experience of students. The framework will help colleges to develop their scholarship policies and practices and provide evidence for the Teaching Excellence Framework commentary, external quality assurance and assist those applying for degree awarding powers. Several universities have also indicated that the adaptation of the resources contained in the framework will improve the validation relationship. So far over 50 colleges have agreed to adopt the Scholarship Framework. This includes colleges with less than 100 HE students to colleges with over 3000 students. The framework is free and will support colleges, regardless of where they are in their HE scholarship journey. Benefits of using the framework’s resources include assistance with developing a college scholarship policy and integrating scholarship into appraisal processes. David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “The Scholarship Project will help by fostering a confidence within the college sector and by supporting a scholarly approach to HE. College staff should rightly feel proud of their craft, of their pedagogy and of the contribution they make to supporting students to develop their learning and skills. “I am delighted at the breadth and scale of the Scholarship Project and at how enthusiastic colleges have been at embracing a critical, evidence-based and scholarly approach to their HE teaching and learning.” John Lea, College Higher Education Scholarship Director, said: “College higher education students are offered a distinct learning experience. Providing local students with higher education opportunities and links with local labour markets are key. Our new framework aims to enhance this provision further by embedding a district approach to scholarship for both staff and students, one which is firmly centred on enhancing learning and student employability." For more information about the framework and how colleges can register to use the resources, visit: https://www.thescholarshipframework.co.uk/