The University is fully committed to the career progression of its academic staff. The academic promotions process is a fundamental part of this commitment. Please be advised that the current promotion processes will have a different schedule from the norm. As a result of ongoing discussions, we are undertaking a full review of the processes involved in the promotions process. The goal is to introduce a more comprehensive, enhanced promotion framework which introduces a variety of routes for promotion. This will involve an extensive consultation process through the remainder of this academic year with the new process expected to be in place to commence in Autumn 2025.
We have met with UCU to begin a consultation process with them.
Promotion Review
The revised process is expected to commence in Autumn 2025.
Consultation Phases
The consultation process will be conducted in two phases.
Phase One - March to May - focuses on gathering feedback on the role profiles and promotion criteria, which will be communicated in the following weeks.
Phase Two - May to July - will address the processes and documentation required for implementation, such as panel composition, application procedures, and overall process management.
Timeline and Key Updates
We are pleased to provide an update on the next steps and the upcoming consultation period for Phase 1 of the promotion review. The consultation process aims to ensure a structured, evidence-based framework for career progression, which is fair, transparent, and aligns with institutional goals.
Key Dates for phase one:
- 10 March 2025 – 30 April 2025: Consultation period with faculty forums and online feedback portals
- 30 April 2025 – 9 May 2025: Analysis and reporting of feedback
- End of May 2025: Final agreement from UEB and UCU
Please note the above dates are dependent on feedback, level of changes required and the finalising of the consultation period.
Benefits of the Review
- A more inclusive promotion process, opening opportunities to all academic staff
- A transparent, evidence-based framework that outlines clear criteria for progression
- Enhanced support for professional development and training, aligning individual growth with institutional goals
Overview of Profiles
We are consolidating job titles and there will no longer be a title distinction based on an underlying contract. Staff within each grade will hold the same academic title (some exceptions may remain).
The role profiles have been created based on existing roles and expectations, and the Current Routes - Mapping document outlines what level of the National Library of Academic Role Profiles it aligns with.
Grade 7 - Lecturer
Grade 8 – Senior Lecturer
Grade 9 – Associate Professor
Grade 10 – Professor
Current Routes - Mapping
Current Professional Tutors and Senior Professional Tutors will remain as is until such time as the promotion review is finalised. A mapping exercise will be completed with your Line Manager and Head of School to determine the most appropriate underlying contract.
The revised promotion framework introduces updated role profiles designed to recognise the diverse contributions of our academic staff. The role profile for each grade includes:
- Generic Academic Duties applicable to all academic staff within the grade
Underlying Contract with associated specific duties, categorised into:
- Teaching and Learning
- Teaching and Research
- Professional Practice – Innovation, Enterprise, and Knowledge Exchange
Overview of Promotion Routes
The revised promotion framework introduces new progression routes, designed to enable all academics to be able to apply for promotion.
The available promotion routes will align with underlying contracts which are:
- Teaching and Learning
- Teaching and Research
- Professional Practice – Innovation, Enterprise, and Knowledge Exchange
Proposed Promotion Routes
Phase One is focused on role profiles and criteria, we want staff to be aware that Phase Two will take place one phase on is complete and will follow the same consultation structure. Providing further opportunities for engagement and feedback on the application process and overall process (panels, feedback, support offered, training etc.) will become available in phase 2.
The promotion review will ultimately open promotion opportunities to all Academic staff, and will provide a robust framework and foundation for professional development and training. This work will align with the ongoing Academic Promotion Review, ensuring that the role profiles and promotion criteria are fully integrated, thoroughly consulted on, and ready for implementation.
At the end of this process the aim is to have a robust and challenging set of criteria and responsibilities which broadly meet the expectations and standards of the sector.
Promotion Review - Consultation - Phase 1
The documents we are seeking consultation on are:
Promotion Review - Promotion Criteria
Promotion Review - Lecturer Role Profile - G7
Promotion Review - Senior Lecturer Role Profile - G8
Promotion Review - Associate Professor Role Profile - G9
Promotion Review - Professor Role Profile - G10
Staff can provide feedback in a number of ways:
- Via an open forum where promotion routes will be discussed on the below dates:
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- Thursday 3 April 2025 at 10.00am at Hope Park (Eden109)
- Tuesday 8 April 2025 at 11.00am at Hope Park (Eden130)
- Wednesday 9 April 2025 at 11.00 at Creative Campus (COR112)
- Via scheduled Faculty Executive Boards
- Via email to promotions@hope.ac.uk - no later than Wednesday 23 April 2025
We are also consulting via UCU and have meetings scheduled for discussions.
We ask that you consider these three key questions when providing feedback:
- Is the role profile a full and accurate reflection of the expected tasks and responsibilities? If not, please specify which duties and why. (Please note roles are based on the Academic Library Profiles and in line with sector expectations)
- Are any aspects of the role profiles or criteria demonstrably inaccurate?
- Is there any significant promotion criteria that has been overlooked?
Should you wish to send any written feedback via email, please ensure this is submitted by Wednesday 23 April 2025.
We value your input in shaping a fair and comprehensive promotion framework.
If you have any questions or need any further information, please email promotions@hope.ac.uk
1. What is the purpose of the academic promotions review?
The University is committed to supporting the career progression of its academic staff. The promotions review aims to create a more transparent, evidence-based, and inclusive promotion framework that aligns with institutional goals and provides equal opportunities for all academic staff.
2. When will the revised promotion process be implemented?
The revised process is expected to commence in Autumn 2025 after the completion of the consultation phases and approval from UEB and agreement from UCU.
3. Why is the promotions process being reviewed?
The review aims to improve fairness, transparency, and consistency in the promotion process by introducing updated role profiles and clear promotion criteria.
4. How will the consultation process be conducted?
The consultation will take place in two phases:
- Phase One (March to May 2025) – Focused on gathering feedback on role profiles and promotion criteria
- Phase Two (May to July 2025) – Focused on processes and documentation, such as panel composition and application procedures
5. How can I provide feedback during the consultation process?
You can provide feedback through the following methods:
- Open forums on:
- Thursday, 3 April 2025 at 10:00 am (Hope Park, Eden109)
- Thursday, 8 April 2025 at 11:00 am (Hope Park, Eden130)
- Wednesday, 9 April 2025 at 11:00 am (Creative Campus, COR112)
- Scheduled Faculty Executive Boards
- By email to promotions@hope.ac.uk by Wednesday, 23 April 2025
6. What happens after the consultation period ends?
Feedback will be analysed and reported from 30 April to 9 May 2025. A final agreement will be reached with UEB and UCU by the end of May 2025.
7. What are the updated role profiles and academic titles?
The new role profiles will consolidate job titles and ensure consistency across academic grades:
- Grade 7 – Lecturer
- Grade 8 – Senior Lecturer
- Grade 9 – Associate Professor
- Grade 10 – Professor
8. What are the available promotion routes under the revised framework?
Promotion routes will align with the underlying contract types:
- Teaching and Learning
- Teaching and Research
- Professional Practice – Innovation, Enterprise, and Knowledge Exchange
9. Will current Professional Tutors and Senior Professional Tutors be affected?
No immediate changes will be made. A mapping exercise will be conducted with your Line Manager and Head of School to determine the most appropriate contract.
10. What support will be available during the promotion process?
The University will provide guidance and training sessions to help staff understand the new framework, prepare their applications, and navigate the process.
11. Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any questions, you can contact the Promotions Team at promotions@hope.ac.uk.
12. What if I disagree with the proposed criteria or process?
All feedback will be carefully considered before finalising the process.
We encourage you to consider these key questions when providing feedback:
- Do the role profiles accurately reflect current grade roles and responsibilities? If not, please specify which duties are missing and why
- Are any aspects of the role profiles or criteria unrealistic or unreasonable?
- Is there any promotion criterion that has been overlooked?
