Postgraduate Education Practitioners’ Network Clinic
On May 1st 2025, the Co-Chairs of our Postgraduate Education Practitioners’ Network, Susanna Broom and Kerri Gardiner, held a Network Clinic looking at the specific issues and unique challenges which face those working within postgraduate research. Their report on the event is below.
We had 18 colleagues join the second Postgraduate Education Practitioners’ (PEP) Network clinic. These sessions – which we will hold roughly quarterly – provide a safe and supportive environment for members to connect with one another and to share questions, concerns, and insights. At today’s session we discussed:
- In relation to the UKRI revised Terms and Conditions, a colleague sought input from the group on fulfilling supervisory obligations following the departure of (or an irrevocable breakdown in the supervisory relationship with) a specialist supervisor whose expertise cannot be readily replaced internally. Attendees shared policy and practice at their institutions, and reflected on the importance of remaining compliant with CMA, OfS, OIA, and legislative (e.g. Equality Act) requirements/expectations.
- Managing and responding to institutional change in its various guises continues to occupy many PEP members’ time and energy. We gave space for colleagues to discuss the nature of change they are encountering in their institutions, and to share ‘top tips’ for surviving change. Feedback emphasised the importance of making use of networks – both within and beyond institutions (e.g. PEP!) – for finding safe and independent spaces for reflecting on and processing the change we are encountering. Tips for line managers included seeking coaching from experienced colleagues and ensuring that we make time to process our own emotional response to change before supporting colleagues to work through change, i.e. putting our own oxygen masks on first!
Thank you to everyone who attended today. All PEP Network members are welcome to come along to a clinic. We do want these sessions to be driven by your needs, so please feel free to suggest topics using the form linked below.