First University of Portsmouth UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) Recognised Supervisor

Dr Rebecca Stores, Associate Professor in Health Psychology based in the School of Dental, Health and Care Professions, Faculty of Science and Health, is the first member of staff at the University to become a UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) Recognised Supervisor.

This achievement is grounded in the UKCGE’s Good Supervisory Practice Framework (GSPF) which outlines 10 criteria that cover the wide-ranging and complex responsibilities involved in modern doctoral research supervision. It represents an internationally recognised acknowledgement of reflective, high-quality supervisory practice.

The recognition is based on comprehensive evidence of supervisory experience and alignment with all criteria set out in the GSPF, including sustained reflective engagement with supervisory roles and responsibilities. The application process involves the submission of a detailed reflective account of supervisory practice, alongside peer review by a UKCGE panel.

Receiving this award signifies a strong and externally validated commitment to providing effective, developmental, and ethically grounded support to postgraduate researchers. It highlights the contribution made to fostering a positive and inclusive research environment and to maintaining high standards of doctoral supervision within the institution.

Rebecca reflects on the award and her experience of gaining this below:

What does it mean to you personally to receive the Recognised Supervisor award?

Receiving the UKCGE Recognised Supervisor Award is a meaningful and satisfying milestone in my academic career. Doctoral supervision is a part of my role that I value deeply, and this recognition affirms the efforts and commitment that I feel I have brought to supporting students over the last 25 years whilst based at the University of Portsmouth.

I have successfully supervised over 25 doctoral students whilst based at the University as both a first and co-supervisor, and this has included various doctoral degree types including PhD, PhD by Publication, MD and Professional Doctorate students. Some have won prestigious awards and prizes, which is always a source of pride.

For me, the award represents a formal acknowledgment of the work that leads to a positive doctoral experience. It recognises not only my supervisory experience but also the reflective approach I aim to take to continually enhance the way I support postgraduate researchers.

This recognition also honours the relationships at the heart of effective supervision. The award reflects the trust built with doctoral candidates, the collaborative work with colleagues, and the shared commitment to fostering an environment where researchers can grow, develop confidence, and succeed.

You’re the first person at UoP to receive this award, how does that feel?

Being the first person at the University of Portsmouth to receive this recognition award is very pleasing and confidence building, and I hope to be able to share my experience with other supervisors who are interested in applying.

It is rewarding to have my supervisory practice recognised externally by UKCGE and this brings a sense of pride. Supervision can feel like it is work that takes place quietly and privately, and it can sometimes be easy to underestimate its impact. Knowing that this contribution is being acknowledged in a visible way is very satisfying.

It feels like a meaningful affirmation of the time, care, and commitment supervisors put into supporting doctoral researchers and a reminder of why I value this aspect of my role so highly.

What do you think makes for excellent doctoral supervision?

I believe there are many different aspects to effective doctoral supervision and that the role evolves as the student progresses. It can include directing, mentoring, guiding and acting as a role model and sometimes a sounding board or confidant. These roles shift depending on the student’s needs, challenges, and stage of study.

Over time, I have come to see the supervisor-student relationship as dynamic. Early on, I lead more strongly, setting direction and scaffolding their steps but gradually, the balance shifts. As students gain confidence in their ideas and their place in the research landscape, they begin to lead. Eventually, they become the experts, and it is a privilege to witness that transformation.

What do you hope this award will mean for doctoral supervision at UoP going forward?

I believe embedding the Good Supervisory Practice Framework, which the recognition programme is based around, can help Universities benchmark what good supervision looks like. It also encourages consistency in supervision across the University and provides recognition and reward for supervisors and supports wider recognition of supervision as a professional practice.

In addition, recognition of supervisors at a national level can enhance an institution’s reputation for postgraduate research training and potentially attract high quality doctoral candidates and make the institution more competitive in funding that emphasises research training quality.

Engaging with the programme is not just for individual recognition. It can also align institutional practice with national benchmarks, enrich professional development, embed a culture of good supervision and enhance institutional reputation and doctoral experience. These benefits collectively support strong research culture and better outcomes for both supervisors and doctoral researchers.