University awards more than 200 LEAP fellowships during COVID-19

Manchester staff and students have been recognised for their commitment to teaching and learning excellence during the pandemic.

Since its inception, The University of Manchester’s Leadership in Education Awards Programme (LEAP) has awarded more than 780 Advance HE Fellowships to colleagues and students across the institution, celebrating commitments to enhancing student experience and delivering excellence in teaching and learning at all levels.

Staying committed during COVID-19

Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and closure of the University’s physical spaces, colleagues have continued to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

As a result, 214 colleagues have achieved Advance HE Fellowships through the scheme since March 2020. The scheme has supported students, colleagues and NHS partners.

Professor Judy Williams, Associate Vice-President of Teaching, Learning and Students and Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning, explains: “LEAP is a fantastic way for colleagues to reflect on their teaching and the support they provide for students and gain a nationally-recognised award. It is fantastic that during these challenging times colleagues have given time to support one another to achieve this award enabling people to share best practice and make connections across the University.”

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President of Teaching, Learning and Students, adds: “‘Every one of these Fellowships represents a real achievement for an individual – but together they also signal our University community’s commitment to continual enhancement of teaching and learning. At the start of a new and somewhat strange academic year, this is a clear message that our students matter to us.”

About LEAP

The LEAP is accredited by AdvanceHE to award Associate, Fellow, Senior and Principal AdvanceHE fellowships and supports colleagues in evidencing their teaching and learning excellence enabling them to receive a formal national teaching award. LEAP is open to all staff, ranging from colleagues for whom teaching and learning forms part of their role to colleagues who are influencing teaching and learning at an institutional, national or international context.

To find out more, including how to apply, visit the LEAP information page.