South West Academic Skills Network
Founded in 2019, the South West Academic Skills Network has 44 representatives from the following Higher Education Institutions: University of Bath; Bath Spa University; University of Bristol; University of Cardiff, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth; the University of South Wales (Newport); University Centre Weston and UWE Bristol.
We communicate via Listserv. New members can self-join our discussion list by subscribing to the South West Academic Skills Network on Jiscmail: SOUTHWESTACADEMICSKILLSNETWORK@JISCMAIL.AC.UK.
We have ad hoc face-to-face gatherings or “teachmeets”, usually held annually. These are opportunities to meet and share experiences and best practice. Previous topics have included: raising the profile of learning development, embedding, employability, and Access and Participation Plans. They are hosted by member institutions on a rotational basis.
Siobhán Hawke (Head of Academic Skills, Bath Spa University) and Steve Hunt (Senior Learning Developer for the College of Business and Law, UWE Bristol) represent the SWASN on the ALDinHE CoP working group.
Wales Academic Skills Network
Founded in 2025, the Wales Academic Skills Network consists of representatives from all nine Welsh Higher Education Institutions, namely Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Swansea University, The Open University in Wales, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Wrexham University.
We communicate via Listserv and welcome communication in both English and Welsh. New members can self-join our discussion list by subscribing to the Wales Academic Skills Network on Jiscmail: WALESACADEMICSKILLSNETWORK@JISCMAIL.AC.UK
It is a place for practitioners across Welsh HEIs who are involved in supporting students in the development of their academic skills to share best practice, collaborate, and support each other. Consequently, the group consists of learning developers, academic support librarians, team managers, professional services staff, academic staff, and senior lecturers.
In addition to email communications, we host quarterly online meetings via Teams which provides a space for us to learn from each other, to focus on key topics, and to explore best practice.
Dr Leila Griffiths (Study Adviser, Bangor University) represents the WASN on the ALDinHE CoP working group.