Voting for the positions of Chair and Deputy Chair

Dear Steering Group,

You are invited to review the following two candidates’ applications for the post of Chair and Deputy Chair.

Please indicate if you endorse the application or if you would recommend ALDinHE opens out the invitation to recruit from the wider LD community.

Note, your vote is confidential and anonymous. Although the Administrator will have sight of your vote, this is only to verify there is nobody double voting. Your vote will never be shared with anyone.

For the position of Chair

Name of Nominee: Kate Coulson

Institution: BPP University

Personal statement of up to 300 - 500 words

I am an Associate Dean and Associate Professor at BPP University. I have a National Teaching Fellowship recognising my work in Learning Development. I have held CeLP status since 2019. My professional interests focus on the creation of supportive and developmental communities. Alongside my day job, I have been a steering group member since 2019. I was Secretary from 2019 to 2023. I was then made Co-Chair until we changed the succession plans in mid 2024 and I became Deputy Chair.

In the last 6 years I have actively contributed to:

The Professional Recognition Working Group - where I review CeP and CeLP submissions.

The establishment of CPDWG in 2024/25 due to my work to understand the development needs of new Learning Developers and established professionals.

The establishment of the international Artificial Intelligence community of practice.

The leadership CoP, led by Dr Carina Buckley.

ICALLD - I have been a committee member, representing ALDinHE since 2019 and have worked with the group to deliver the annual symposium.

I have also made a significant contribution to the ethos, approach, and outcomes of the work of the steering group and ALDinHE as a whole including:

  • creating an Ops Group to manage the work of the steering group
  • hosting ALDCon on several occasions (@UON)
  • Reviewing for ALDcon and our Research Fund each year
  • Leading the Summer and Winter Residential Meetings
  • Enhancing the composition of the steering group (bringing in “Without Portfolio” roles; creating new groups; tweaking the constitution to enable more open practice)
  • Championing the development of an EDI Working Group
  • introducing LD@3 as an alternative to the conference during the pandemic
  • developing new initiatives and projects for example, creating and driving the ALDinHE strategy

As Chair, I would look to continue this work with a particular focus on:

  • Expanding and opening up the work of the Steering Group; using Task and Finish Groups and co-opting temporary members onto the SG, where needed, to complete specific projects
  • Creating specific communication channels with our members, so that the Chair and SG can update and be more accountable to our members
  • Grow and develop the association; consider avenues for revenue to further enhance and develop our offering and making the association more financially sustainable
  • Bringing in funds to commission research/projects/initiatives to further the work of the association, if and when needed
  • Encourage more “churn” within the WGs and SG to ensure they reflect the needs of our members
  • Actively engage with and listen to members to understand what they need/want from ALDinHE

I hope this brief summary outlines my continued contribution to ALDinHE and my desire and drive to lead the Association.

For the position of Deputy Chair

Name of Nominee: Maddy Mossman

Institution: University of Leeds

Personal statement of up to 300 - 500 words

I am writing to nominate myself for the position of Deputy Chair of the ALDinHE Steering Group. I am committed to the Association's aims and activities, and I believe I can make a significant contribution to the Steering Group and work effectively alongside the SG members to further our collective goals.

Since joining ALDinHE in 2017, I was actively involved in developing regional events as a member of the Peer Development Working Group. In 2020, I became a member of the Steering Group, where I co-led efforts to enhance our community provision of networking and best-practice sharing events through one-off online themed events, the very successful LD@3 programme and the return of in-person regional events after COVID. I am proud of the progress we have made in fostering a supportive and collaborative networking and practice sharing environment for our members.

In June 2023 I was elected Secretary of the Association and since then I have worked with the SG and Ops group to support the development of the revised strategy, updated and presented the constitution to members at last year’s AGM and have mentored peers who are new to SG roles.

As Head of Learning Development at the University of Leeds, I lead a team of 56 staff. I have institutional oversight of the development and implementation of Academic Literacies in the curriculum. I collaborate closely with academic and professional services colleagues and serve as a theme lead for the university's curriculum redefined change programme. Additionally, I have co-designed and am co-lead of the institution’s Capabilities Framework, which develops Academic, Digital, and Professional literacies in the embedded and co-curricular spheres.

My experience in these roles has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on the responsibilities of Deputy Chair. I have experience of strategic planning and coordinating activities, and leading initiatives that drive positive change. I am also committed to engaging with our community to understand our collective needs and encourage active participation in our activities.

As Deputy Chair, I will work with the Steering Group to strengthen our community and professional identity. I am eager to promote the excellent and innovative work of our association and its members to wider audiences, highlighting their expertise and contributions to learning and curriculum development.

I am confident that my experience, dedication, and collaborative approach make me a strong candidate for the position of Deputy Chair. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute further to the ALDinHE Steering Group and help shape the future of our Association.

Thank you for considering my nomination.

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