Developing our staff leads to national awards shortlist

We’re shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development category in the Times Higher Education Awards thanks to the success of our CADENZA programme.

CADENZA is the University’s Professional Development Framework which encourages staff to recognise and record their talents, strengths and achievements and to apply for professional recognition through the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the independent non-profit organisation committed to nurturing world-class teaching at universities. CADENZA's success means the number of Essex staff achieving HEA recognition is well above the sector average.

A key to our success is that Essex has taken an inclusive approach to professional development encouraging and supporting employees across professional services, Graduate Teaching Assistant and academic roles through CADENZA.

Paul Smart, Head of Academic and Professional Practice – Organisational Development, said: “Our CADENZA team is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive approach to gaining professional recognition which supports employees across professional services and academic departments to reflect on their educational contribution at Essex.

"One of our particular strengths is the growing network of engaged HEA Fellows who mentor applicants, assess applications and share good practice. We’re really proud the CADENZA framework has fostered a culture of feedback and reflection at Essex.”

In 2016-17, 154 Essex staff achieved accreditation across HEA’s four fellowship categories - 59 as associate fellows, 74 as fellows, 20 as senior fellows and one as a principal fellow. This compares to a sector average of 59 across all fellowship categories.

More than 500 staff have now achieved HEA recognition over the past five years and over 100 have gained Senior and Principal Fellowships.