Principal Fellow programme

Image with details of the programme and the university logos

To support prospective applicants, the Universities of Bristol, Bath Spa, Bath, and UWE Bristol have come together to offer prospective Principal Fellows a programme of workshops, writing retreats and opportunities for peer mentoring and buddying support.  

Advance HE’s Principal Fellowship (PFHEA) recognises substantial strategic leadership and influence in learning and teaching in higher education. Our workshops and writing retreats are aimed at individuals who are highly experienced and able to show a sustained record of impact on teaching quality through their strategic leadership institutionally, and/or (inter)nationally. We recommend using Advance HE’s Fellowship Category Tool to check Principal Fellowship is relevant to you.  

The programme of events aims to support you in understanding the requirements of Principal Fellowship and Senior Fellowship and help you develop your application. The programme includes an introductory workshop, writing retreats and the opportunity to network with and buddy up with others.  

Programme and booking information.  

Please book each event using the links provided: 

Expand each option below for more information and links to register.

2 pm – 4 pm,  Thursday 10 April 2025

UWE Bristol Business School, Frenchay, BS16 1QY

This workshop provides an introduction to Principal Fellowship. It is open to all staff from the Universities of Bath, Bath Spa, Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) who are interested in finding out more about Principal Fellowship and the evidence requirements to support an application. Tea and Coffee will be provided. 

Registration link

10 am – 4 pm,  Friday 9 May 2025

Hosted by UWE Bristol Business School, Online (MS Teams)

This retreat is designed to support applicants' focus on and progress with their Fellowship applications, writing in short bursts whilst providing the opportunity to discuss your application and how your practice engages with the PSF 2023 in a 10–15 minute 1-2-1 meeting with a facilitator in a confidential space.

Registration link

2 pm - 4 pm, Thursday 5 June 2025
Hosted by The University of Bath, Online (MS Teams)
This Principal & Senior Fellowship introduction workshop will take place via Teams on Thursday 5 June, 2 pm - 4 pm.  

Designed for staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol but others are welcome. 

Registration link

10 am - 4 pm, Wednesday 9 July 2025
Bath Spa University campus, BA2 9BN
This Writing Retreat will take place at Bath Spa University's Newton Park campus on Wednesday 9 July, 10 am - 4 pm, and will include a celebration of successful applicants! We will provide lunch, so please let us know of any dietary requirements.

The retreat is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol. 
2 pm - 4 pm, Wednesday 5 Nov 2025
University of Bristol Clifton campus, BS8 1SE
The Introduction to Principle Fellowship workshop will take place in Room 4.04, Beacon House, University of Bristol, Queen's Ave, Bristol BS8 1SE 2pm - 4pm.
If you would like to attend, please complete the following booking form.

The workshop is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.

Wednesday 10 December, 10 am - 4 pm,

Hosted by The University of Bath online (MS Teams)

This Principal & Senior Fellowship writing retreat will take place via Teams on Wednesday 10 December 10 am - 4 pm.  

Designed for staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol but others are welcome.

Registration link