Southampton academic is one of just 55 people awarded a National Teaching Fellowship this year

An academic at the University of Southampton has become one of just 55 people to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship this year.

Neil Ford received the fellowship in recognition of his influential peer support work within higher education.

A Principal Teaching Fellow within the university’s Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP), he is dedicated to developing networks and communities for both students and staff to make the most of peer support and collaborative learning.

National Teaching Fellowships, awarded by Advance HE, recognise those who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and on teaching in higher education.

Neil, who has worked at the University of Southampton since 2016, said: “I’m delighted to receive this National Teaching Fellowship, and it’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the peer support work I am so keen to advance.

“There is a growing recognition of the value of peer support and collaboration for both students and staff, and a recognition that we don’t have to work in isolation or silos.

“I am lucky to work in a role that is focused on advancing connections and communities within higher education – it’s a real joy.”

Neil’s passion for peer support stems from his personal experience as a student.

He said: “I was the first generation in my family to go to university, and I encountered challenges establishing my student identity and understanding how to learn at university.

“In particular, I found it hard to develop my focus for independent learning and understanding academic expectations at this level.”

His work has supported students to get more out of their time at university.

Neil has improved induction processes, introduced dissertation support, and secured funding to develop paid opportunities for student ‘peer leaders’ to support other students with transitioning to university.

In his current role as an academic developer, he supports staff to become excellent teachers through mentoring, workshops, training and peer support.

Neil is a founder and co-chair of regional and national networks for peer support practitioners – the South-West Regional Peer Support Network and the Association for Peer Learning and Support.

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, pictured left, said: “We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default.

“Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity.

“All of the 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.”