New Practitioner Network

SCAPP New Practitioner Network 2025

After the success of the 2023 and 2024 Networks, we are pleased to offer open, rolling registrations for the SCAPP New Practitioner Network 2025!

To register, please complete this Microsoft form, A meeting invitation for any meetings which have already been set will follow upon your registration.

This Network is for Paid Organisational SCAPP Members, or those from third-sector/voluntary organisations. You can check if your organisation is a Paid SCAPP Member, here. There is no cost for SCAPP members to participate in this Network. However, individuals (and their organisations) are asked to cover relevant travel costs to attend in-person sessions.

We ask that staff registering for this network seek the support of their line manager.

Please note, membership of this network is for early careers practitioners and the maximum tenure of membership is 3 years.

Who is the NPN for?

This network is designed to equip practitioners new to Widening Access and Widening Participation with the knowledge, confidence, and networks they need to thrive in their roles. Staff who are new to working in Widening Access & Participation in Scotland, joining the sector within the last 3 years, are eligible. Sessions will be aimed at entry-level roles, for those with minimal previous experience.

Testimonials

Comments from the anonymous participant survey for 2024 included:

“The SCAPP NPN met and surpassed expectations in terms of learning, comprehensive and in-depth at every session!”

“A good mixture between in person and virtual sessions. Good range of speakers as well.”

“I was very new to my role when the New Practitioners Network started so I didn’t know what to expect. I found it invaluable to gain knowledge on the different work within WP and to meet other like-minded people.”

“The network worked as a great opportunity for me to meet other like-minded individuals in the sector in a similar position career-wise to myself and learn about their experiences.”

Format and Timeline

The Network will be co-facilitated by Jill Christie (SCAPP Professional Learning & Development Coordinator) and Nicola Kennedy (Senior Outreach Officer – Schools, Edinburgh Napier University). We’ll have engaging topic sessions led by expert guest speakers and specialists.

Meetings will be held in a variety of in-person and online formats, throughout 2025.

Attendance at meetings is encouraged but not compulsory.

Specific meeting dates will be proposed at the launch meeting.

Below is an indication of intended meetings for reference:

End of February/early March – Launch meeting (3 hours in person at Stirling University):

March – November 2025 – up to 7 sessions (most online (90 minutes) and some in person (2-3 hours))

Late November 2025 – Final meeting (3 hours in person at Stirling University)

Further Info and Contact Details

If you are interested in participating in the network, but are a mid-level practitioner or manager, please contact scapp@stir.ac.uk to discuss.

For any questions or if you’d like to speak further, please email Jill Christie on scapp@stir.ac.uk

The SCAPP New Practitioner Network aims to build the knowledge, confidence and networks of practitioners new to Widening Access and Widening Participation roles in Scotland.

The 2024 Network was co-facilitated by Laura Kwiatkowski (SCAPP Learning & Development Coordinator until August 2024), Jill Christie (SCAPP Learning & Development Coordinator from August 2024) and Nicola Kennedy (Senior Outreach Officer – Schools, Edinburgh Napier University). It ran from February 2024 – November 2024 hosting 7 sessions for 28 members in-person, online and hybrid in format.

The 2023 New Practitioner Network was co-facilitated by Laura Kwiatkowski (SCAPP) and Jackie Smith (ASPIRENorth) from January – June 2023 with 39 members. 5 sessions were delivered, each covering a topic or area of Widening Access and Participation work. The majority of these were delivered with in-kind support from colleagues across the sector.

”[It was most helpful/useful] To meet other people in the industry that are from all universities in Scotland. It also allowed me to understand the extent and commitment towards widening participation” – 2023 Participant