We are currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the 2026 Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) scheme, find out more including details on how to submit an EOI below.

Background:
The purpose of the Collaborative Award for teaching Excellence (CATE) scheme is to recognise and reward collaborative work that has had a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning. Introduced in 2016 the scheme highlights the key role that teamwork plays in higher education. Each award will recognise a team that has enabled a change in practice for colleagues and/or students at an institutional or discipline level. A core team should comprise between 3 and 15 key members. Institutions can nominate one team a year that can demonstrate having an impact through their collaborative work on teaching and learning.

CATE Teams at the University of Bristol currently include the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the MyWorld Skills and Training Team.

The scheme is organised and run by Advance HE. Institutions can nominate one team per annum, with up to 15 teams being selected for award in 2026.  

We particularly welcomed expressions of interest from groups which include individuals who have been previously under-represented in the CATEs, including: ethnic minority BAME groups; the wide range of staff that support learning; and part-time, fractional, sessional or hourly paid staff.  

The one successful team nominee will be provided with support and mentoring to develop their application. Successful team nominees are advised that the drafting processes may take approximately 5 days. Teams are advised to discuss the scheme with their manager before submitting an Expression of Interest.  The deadline for submitting finished applications is March 2026, with results announced August 2026.    

Criteria:  

Teams must be able to evidence that they can meet the following criteria:  

1. Evidence of excellence in terms of the team's approach to working collaboratively, commensurate with the team's context and the opportunities afforded by it.
2. Evidence of the team having a demonstrable impact on teaching and learning, including beyond their immediate academic or professional area.

Evidence in support of the application should demonstrate reach, value and impact. Interested staff were required to submit an initial expression of interest form.

Expressions of Interest and workshops:

• Interested teams are required to submit an initial Expression of Interest form by 9am on Monday 6 October 2025
• BILT will be hosting a virtual CATE workshop where further details about the scheme and guidance for teams wishing to submit an expression of interest will be shared. All teams, or a representative from each team are strongly encouraged to attend, registration is required using the link below.
  • Tuesday 16 September, 3pm - 4pm on Microsoft Teams. Register to attend.

For more information about the CATE scheme please see the Advance HE website or internally please contact bilt-info@bristol.ac.uk