UCL staff achieve national recognition for personal academic tutoring and student advisory work

About UKAT 

The United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring association (UKAT) is a body of professional practitioners and researchers interested in all aspects of student advising and Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT) in Higher Education in the UK.  

UCL has been an institutional member of UKAT since 2022.  

This allows UCL staff to join UKAT for free and gain access to additional professional development opportunities and support. Join today to explore events, resources, and Special Interest Groups . Visit the UCL PAT Essentials Hub to learn more (UCL login required). 

Get support to gain recognition   

UKAT offers professional recognition for personal academic tutors, student advisors and other staff involved in student support roles in Higher Education. The UKAT Professional Recognition Scheme provides independent recognition of effective practice and a way to evidence the valuable work of tutors and advisors’ in supporting student success.   

UCL HEDS (Arena) have provided support for three cohorts of UCL colleagues to apply for UKAT professional recognition. Led by Dr Pete Fitch, applicants were supported through a series of structured workshops and peer support groups to unpack the application process, criteria, and engagement with scholarship related to personal academic tutoring and advising.  

“It has been amazing to work with like-minded people who value the student experience and the student voice and who recognise that our students need someone to believe in them, to show them the way and to support them through their journey at UCL.” UCL UKAT recognition applicant, reflecting on the UCL supported pathway. 

In January 2026, we celebrated the 25 UCL colleagues who have received UKAT recognition to-date. The event also provided an opportunity for the current year’s cohort to network with and to gain tips and advice in completing their applications.  

Our colleagues recognised so far

Recognised Practitioner in Advising (RPA)

“Front-line personal tutors and academic advisors, this level of recognition demonstrates individual understanding and application of a broad range of effective approaches in delivering high-quality personal tutoring/advising and support for student success”. 

Recognised Senior Advisor (RSA) 

“Those with departmental or institutional responsibilities for leading and developing others in the implementation and delivery of effective personal tutoring/academic advising practices.” 

Want to gain professional recognition for your work? Join this year's cohort

We are now opening a call for UCL colleagues to express interest in participating in the next UCL support cohort applying for UKAT professional recognition.  

This year we have 25 funded application places available. The group will meet monthly from March 2026 for structured workshops and peer support (dates to be confirmed and organised to meet availability of the group). The cohort can also access to a dedicated MS Teams channel for peer engagement outside of formal meetings. The supported UCL applicants will have one calendar year to submit their application directly to UKAT. 

If we receive more than 25 expressions of interest, shortlisting will consider: 

• At least one full year in a personal academic tutoring/advising role to be eligible (including professional services staff in a student support role).  
• Work or contributions to supporting undergraduate and/or taught postgraduate student success in areas of academic and professional development, aligned with UCL’s Personal Academic Tutoring policy (read the policy on the UCL PAT Hub).  
• Work or contributions to supporting undergraduate or taught postgraduate student personal development, or in supporting student transition into and out of UCL.   

Please submit your expression of interest in joining the 2026-27 UCL UKAT professional recognition cohort by 4pm Monday 2 March 2026. We will then review submissions and aim to respond within one week. 

Register your interest in joining the support cohort for UKAT recognition

The UKAT Annual Conference 2026 

Bookings are open for the UKAT Annual Conference, 13-14 April at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

This year's themes focus on 'Spotlight on Student Futures' - reflecting UKAT's "commitment to empowering students to achieve their full potential through dedicated personal tutoring and advising, broadening their horizons, fostering a sense of belonging and feelings of mattering, supporting mental health and wellbeing, and continuation and graduate outcomes".