Principal Fellowships programme
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Applying for your Principal Fellowship can feel like a considerable commitment if you’re not sure where to start. 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 help you develop your application. The programme includes an introductory workshop, writing retreats and the opportunity to network with and buddy up with others.
Event information
Introduction to Principal Fellowship workshop
This workshop is for those interested in, or already engaged in, applying for Advance HE’s Principal Fellowship. We recommend using Advance HE’s Fellowship Category Tool to check Principal Fellowship and this workshop is relevant to you.
This workshop aims to:
- Provide you with an overview of Principal Fellowship and the application requirements
- Explore your approach to strategic leadership
- Relate your own professional activities to Principal Fellowship requirements
- Develop/refine your Principal Fellow application
Principal Fellowship workshop writing retreat
The writing retreats are for those who want protected space to work on their Principal Fellowship applications. Writing retreats will offer structured writing time, alongside the opportunity to book one-to-one appointments to discuss your application.
Key contacts:
Ros O’Leary, University of Bristol
Helen King, Bath Spa University
Becky Ward, University of the West of England
Paul Chin, University of Bath
Programme and booking information.
Please book each event using the links provided:
Expand each option below for more information and links to register.
January - July 2026
Bath Royal and Literary and Scientific Society 16-18 Queen Square, Bath BA1 2HN.
The retreats are open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
Registration link
9.30 am – 4 pm, Tuesday 24 February 2026
Hosted by UWE Bristol, Online.
The retreat is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
Registration link
Designed for staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
Registration link
The retreat is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
The workshop is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
10 am - 12 pm, Thursday 15 October 2026
Hosted by The University of Bristol (with Bath and UWE).
The workshop is open to staff from the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Bath Spa and UWE Bristol.
Registration link