Edited by Christopher Douce, Monday, 30 June 2025, 10:17
The UKCGE an abbreviation for the UK Council of Graduate Education. After attending a series of Supervisory Professionalism and Recognition workshops I thought I would prepare a submission to the UKCGE to become a recognised supervisor. My aim was to consolidate my understanding and to recognise some of the experience that I’ve gained over the years. What follows is a set of notes that I made whilst preparing my submission. I’m sharing with the hope that it might be useful to others.
Preparing an account
An essential resource is the Good Supervisory Practice Framework from the UKCGE website. The resource contains a library of articles that can be drawn upon. An important observation is that the site is also a catalyst for reading and reflection. Like much independent study, that articles that are shared is just a starting point for further investigation.
I began with an empty template, which had the title: Reflective Account Form, which I had downloaded from the site. I began by adding my name and institution.
I completed the introduction, summarising my background and experience, drawing on my CV.
I transferred some of the guidance notes directly to the form, summarising them down to bullet points.
Drawing on the points, I added some reflective commentary, based on my experiences, making references to my own work, and the work of some of the candidates that I have supported.
At the end of each section, I added a word count, noting that the whole submission must not be greater than 5000 words.
Taking a practical approach, I chose two articles which resonated with my experience. In some cases, I pick articles that look the most interesting. I ended up having a library of over 20 articles from different journals that are concerned with different aspects of doctoral education. I only recognise one of the authors. I clearly have a bit of learning to do.
I email my former doctoral candidate and co-supervisor to ask whether they will be willing to provide references.
I get a printout of my notes that are within the form, and review the resources which relate to each section. When reading, I ask myself: how does this article relate to my practice? Also, are there any new ideas that I’m not aware of? Does the article offer me any inspiration or insights?
I thoroughly edit each section of the form, further developing my reflective notes, drawing on the references.
Reflections
I found the process of putting together the UKCGE submission took longer than I had anticipated, for the simple reason that there was more to learn and read than expected. There is clearly an extensive literature about doctoral education which I’m only just starting to become familiar with. It is, quite rightly, a topic of lively research and scholarship. It was also helpful to reflect how things have changed since I was a doctoral student. The emphasis on professionalism and professional knowledge is helpful and welcome.
I would like to share that I wasn’t immediately successful. It took me two goes before my UKCGE application was accepted. My first application was rushed, and the evidence that I supplied wasn’t as thorough or detailed as it should have been. Failing at something is sometimes helpful. Being unsuccessful the first time said to me, very clearly, that supervision is a serious and important business. Although I was initially grumpy, the effect was to sharpen my writing, and to increase the depth of my reading.
Whilst preparing my submission, I found it useful to reflect on my various roles, which have included being a doctoral supervisor, being a third party monitor and supporting research interns. Although I do feel that I try to integrate my practice together, I also feel that there are always more I can do to enhance my professional knowledge of supervision to support the candidates that I work with.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the OU CPD team that supported my submission (and resubmission) to the UKCGE.
Preparing an account of practice for the UKCGE
The UKCGE an abbreviation for the UK Council of Graduate Education. After attending a series of Supervisory Professionalism and Recognition workshops I thought I would prepare a submission to the UKCGE to become a recognised supervisor. My aim was to consolidate my understanding and to recognise some of the experience that I’ve gained over the years. What follows is a set of notes that I made whilst preparing my submission. I’m sharing with the hope that it might be useful to others.
Preparing an account
An essential resource is the Good Supervisory Practice Framework from the UKCGE website. The resource contains a library of articles that can be drawn upon. An important observation is that the site is also a catalyst for reading and reflection. Like much independent study, that articles that are shared is just a starting point for further investigation.
Reflections
I found the process of putting together the UKCGE submission took longer than I had anticipated, for the simple reason that there was more to learn and read than expected. There is clearly an extensive literature about doctoral education which I’m only just starting to become familiar with. It is, quite rightly, a topic of lively research and scholarship. It was also helpful to reflect how things have changed since I was a doctoral student. The emphasis on professionalism and professional knowledge is helpful and welcome.
I would like to share that I wasn’t immediately successful. It took me two goes before my UKCGE application was accepted. My first application was rushed, and the evidence that I supplied wasn’t as thorough or detailed as it should have been. Failing at something is sometimes helpful. Being unsuccessful the first time said to me, very clearly, that supervision is a serious and important business. Although I was initially grumpy, the effect was to sharpen my writing, and to increase the depth of my reading.
Whilst preparing my submission, I found it useful to reflect on my various roles, which have included being a doctoral supervisor, being a third party monitor and supporting research interns. Although I do feel that I try to integrate my practice together, I also feel that there are always more I can do to enhance my professional knowledge of supervision to support the candidates that I work with.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the OU CPD team that supported my submission (and resubmission) to the UKCGE.