Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers about local teaching award schemes.

The main difference between the central vs. local mentoring schemes is that staff are paired together and supports are given locally. All EdTA submissions are assessed centrally, and there are no advantages or disadvantages to participating in the EdTA via the central or local routes. It is up to you whether you would like to work locally, or be paired with someone centrally (usually outside of your subject area).


At present, only Associate Fellow and Fellow participants can be mentored locally. Individuals interested in Senior Fellow and Principal Fellow fellowships should apply to join the central EdTA waiting list. 


There are many benefits to leading a local mentoring scheme. 

Firstly, many leads feel good about using their experience and expertise in supporting colleagues who are earlier in their learning and teaching careers. Second, it is good practice to meet and network with other teaching-focussed staff within your professional areas. Third, we often learn a lot from speaking with or reading a participants claim, and you can specifically pick up on new education trends, common challenges, and School/Departments/Service-level initiatives that you might not have known about otherwise. And finally, being the lead of a local mentoring scheme is a recognised role within the university’s leadership ecosystem. We recommend noting this role in your promotions and annual review discussions. 


If you are an educational leader and have the time and approvals to run your own group, please read the Local Mentoring Handbook provided in the local schemes contacts page, and reach out to the central EdTA team to start the process.


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