Dear Steering Group and Candidates,
You are invited to review the following two candidates’ applications for the post of ALDinHE Secretary and vote for one (Candidates, please also vote).
Note, your vote is strictly 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.
Nominees
Name of Nominee: Dr Steve White
Institution: University of Southampton
I work in a hybrid learning / educational developer role in Southampton University. I support various forms of peer learning, transition and student representative schemes, whilst attempting to influence curriculum development to include consideration for learning development.
I will contribute organizational support to the Steering and Ops Groups, whilst also applying my interest in Learning and Educational Development research to practical challenges and opportunities open to ALDinHE. I think I am able to think creatively, and to provide an original perspective on learning and teaching challenges in HE, whilst retaining a pragmatic, problem-solving orientation.
I’m a current Steering Group member, and my recent contributions to ALDinHE include:
- Researched and co-wrote a definition of Learning Development for the ALDinHE website (with KC, AS, CP), and linked to this definition in a recent national WONKHE publication
- Worked with Ops Group to check the alignment of this definition with the ALDinHE Values/Manifesto
- Currently constructing a seminar for the Research Group supporting member applications for ALDinHE funding bids, to run yearly from May 2025
- Ongoing co-development of a resource on the ‘wider context of Higher Education’ for new learning developers with CP
- 7 contributions over past 3 years to ALDinHE Conferences 2023-25 (workshops, lightning talks, mini-keynotes)
- 5 pieces published in the JLDHE collaborative conference proceedings 2023, 2024 developing on the above conference contributions
- 2 articles published in JLDHE 2024, 2025
- Attendance and contributions to the annual January residential meeting
- Attendance and contributions to all but one Steering Group meeting since joining in 2023
Name of Nominee: Sheryl Mansfield
Institution: University of Northampton
I started my ALDinHE journey as a member of the Steering Group without portfolio over five years ago, and I have been an active member of ALDinHE since and currently lead the Professional Recognition Working Group (PRWG). I fully understand the ALDinHE values, not only because I support the accreditation scheme of ALDinHE but because they are true to my work ethic and ideology as a practitioner. I hold the Certified Leading Practitioner (CeLP) Award and continue to work in the field as Head of Learning Development at the University of Northampton.
I wish to be considered for the role of secretary as I am stepping down as Chair of the PRWG this year and wish to continue my journey impacting more strategically within ALDinHE. I have the necessary skills to fulfil the role as I am a highly detail-oriented professional with a keen eye for accuracy and precision which were skills I have perfected reviewing ALDinHE funding bids, conference submissions as well as professional recognition applications. I am organised and can prioritise tasks effectively which has been demonstrated in my role as PRWG Chair effectively managing the operational activity of the working group. I would relish the opportunity to continue the work of ALDinHE and to continue to work alongside colleagues within the Steering Group and the wider community.