CPD type
Structured programme
Supervisor experience
All supervisor levels
Intervention lead author
Dr Karen Clegg, University of York
1
Released as part of
Phase 1
Piloting feedback deadline
30 June 2026
Page last updated
29 September 2025
Reflective practice is central to professional growth, yet supervisors rarely have structured opportunities to step back and evaluate their approach. This intervention provides a guided process that combines peer mentoring circles and workshops on supervisory pedagogy to support supervisors in enhancing their reflective capacity and, where appropriate, preparing applications for formal recognition (e.g. through the UKCGE Research Supervision Recognition Programme).
Drawing on pilot programmes at York and Nottingham, the framework offers a practical, peer-led route to embed reflection within supervisor communities, strengthen research culture, and increase recognition of supervisory practice. The programme is adaptable to institutional contexts, whether supporting new supervisors to explore the fundamentals of good practice or enabling experienced colleagues to benchmark and celebrate their contribution to PGR development.
Learning objectives
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
recognise the role and value of reflective practice in research supervision
apply the Good Supervisory Practice Framework to evaluate and evidence their supervisory approach
share experiences and strategies with peers through structured mentoring circles
engage with key pedagogical concepts in supervision and integrate them into their practice
develop evidence and reflective writing to support applications for recognition of supervisory practice.
Delivery format & timings
Four to five 60–90 minute sessions, plus an introductory and pedagogy workshop, are recommended for delivery over a six-month period, either in person or online
Criteria alignment with the UKCGE's Good Supervisory Practice Framework
Theme(s)
Reflecting on supervisory practice
What is included in this resource pack?
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Facilitator Manual [.PDF]: This manual outlines how to deliver and adapt the programme at your institution.
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Introduction Session Slides [.PPTX]: These PowerPoint slides can be used for both in-person and online sessions.
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Pedagogy Session Slides [.PPTX]: These PowerPoint slides can be used for both in-person and online sessions.
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Group Expectations Example [.DOCX]: An editable starter template for group expectations within peer-mentoring circles. Use it in Meeting 1 to co-create and agree on the group’s expectations. Supervisors should tailor, add, or amend rules to fit their context.
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Reading List [.DOCX]: This document offers literature relevant to PhD supervisors, differentiating between textbooks and online resources, and includes materials and reviews from RSVP.
Reflective Practice and Recognition_Reflective Account [.DOCX]: An editable template you can customise with your institution’s guidance and links. The current version includes example resources from the University of York (feel free to replace or adapt these with your local equivalents).
Resource pack format
All resource packs are in the form of a compressed zip folder. To unzip and access all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select "Extract All" and then follow the on-screen instructions.