Update on the new Academic Career Progression Framework (December 2025)
Dear Colleagues,
I'm delighted that our proposals for a more inclusive academic career progression framework were approved by Council.
This follows the extensive engagement of Senate members and, in particular the large number of colleagues from Academic Assembly who contributed to the development of this pioneering work. Council commented very positively on the way our community and democratic structures had been engaged in consultation, and I'm sure this has ultimately led to a better outcome.
We now move into a phase of detailed design, working with the Faculties and School, and the Trade Unions to ensure we put in place clear, streamlined processes that implement the new framework effectively. We will share updates on progress, but our current goal is to be using the new system fully in Autumn 2026. More details on the transition to that will follow.
If you have further questions or suggestions, please email acp-reform@bath.ac.uk - I look forward to working with this new framework in the future. - Professor Marcus Munafò, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
Overview
The various routes for academic promotion open to staff can be found in the Career Progression in the Education & Research job family framework document.
Three main categories are used when assessing applications for promotion:
Teaching
Research and Scholarship
Management and Leadership
The evidence required for each category depends on the promotion route you are applying for.
Promotion routes
Select a promotion route for further guidance and to apply:
When you should submit your application to HR and when it will be considered by Academic Staff Committee can be found on our deadlines for academic promotion page.
Guidance for Heads of Department
Read the guidance for Heads of Department on academic promotions.
Principles of research assessment and management
The University has developed a set of principles outlining our approach to research assessment and management, including the responsible use of quantitative indicators. The assessment of academic promotion cases by Academic Staff Committee and its related Sub Groups will be made in accordance with these principles.
HEA Fellowship
Academic Staff Committee recognise that HEA Fellowship is a formal, internationally-benchmarked professional award that requires the applicant to present evidence of their contribution to teaching and supporting learning in higher education. The particular status of Fellowship achieved (Associate Fellow (AFHEA), Fellow (FHEA), Senior Fellow (SFHEA) or Principal Fellow (PFHEA)) indicates the breadth and depth of this contribution as specified in the Professional Standards Framework (PSF) for teaching and supporting learning in higher education.
The University of Bath’s promotion criteria have been mapped to the PSF such that being an HEA Fellowship holder may be used as direct evidence for some of the teaching elements. Use the HEA Fellowship Mapping document to understand which criteria your Fellowship can provide sufficient direct evidence against.
Recent academic promotions
Find out about recent academic promotions.
Useful resources
This guide, related pages and the CPER document should be your first point of reference to understand more about the process, procedures and criteria for promotion. However, you might also find it helpful to refer to our academic promotion: useful information page to help answer questions you may have on individual topics.