My SFHEA Journey Across Continents, Classrooms and Communities

I recently received confirmation of success for my Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) with Advance HE. The message arrived quietly, yet it prompted a moment of reflection in a year filled with transition across the sector. It allowed me to look back on a journey shaped across countries, disciplines and communities, and on the principles that have guided my work.

Beginnings in Pakistan: Teaching and Organisational Development

My path began in Pakistan, teaching at Preston University and Hamdard University, while also gaining experience in the corporate sector with Citi, SAMBA Bank and Soneri Bank. Those years offered invaluable insight into organisational culture, communication and workplace behaviour. Alongside this, I founded Hyacinth Training Consultants, an OD-focused consultancy delivering leadership and communication programmes. This blend of academic and organisational work shaped my core philosophy: meaningful learning happens when theory is anchored in real practice.

Australia: Research, Teaching and Community

At the University of Tasmania (UTAS), I completed my PhD in Education and taught across Education, Management and STEM-related contexts. Working with international and mature learners deepened my understanding of inclusive pedagogy and cross-disciplinary teaching. Outside the university, I volunteered in adult literacy, immigrant family support, elderly care and hospice programmes — experiences that reminded me that education is, at its heart, a form of service.

United Kingdom: Leadership, Scale and Innovation

Moving to the UK expanded my responsibilities. At the University of Nottingham, I taught and coordinated large undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts, refining curriculum delivery and assessment leadership at scale.

At the University of Bedfordshire, my work grew into programme leadership, apprenticeship teaching, curriculum redesign, cross-campus coordination and integrating responsible AI into teaching and assessment. Throughout these years, I continued external engagement across Pakistan, Australia and the UK through mentoring, industry collaboration and community work.

Leadership and Influencing Others

Leadership has also meant supporting colleagues — sharing approaches to inclusive assessment, helping integrate AI responsibly, guiding new academics on UK HE expectations and contributing to curriculum and apprenticeship discussions across teams. Much of this happens through collaboration rather than formality. Influencing practice by helping others feel confident and supported has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.

The Reality Behind the SFHEA Process

I initially prepared my SFHEA application for submission at the University of Nottingham, and most of the foundational reflective work was completed there. When internal delays prevented submission, I carried the work with me to Bedfordshire, where I needed to adapt it entirely to a new institutional process and set of expectations. It was more challenging than I anticipated. Reframing evidence, reorganising reflections and aligning with a new structure required patience and clarity. I share this because many colleagues worry quietly about Fellowship applications. The truth is that the process can be demanding, but it is also entirely achievable — even during transitions — when grounded in genuine practice and values.

What SFHEA Represents

My SFHEA confirmation brings together the strands that shape my work: inclusive teaching for diverse and international learners, applied and research-informed practice, ethical use of AI, cross-disciplinary experience, external engagement and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, service and student confidence.

This recognition is a reminder of the values that continue to guide my journey — integrity, applied learning, community and a belief in education as a transformative force.

A Thank You Across the Globe

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey — mentors, friends and communities across Pakistan, Asia, Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Your guidance, generosity and belief have shaped my path in ways that extend far beyond qualifications or milestones.