Richard Blackwell's article highlighting the need for universities to address the training and isolation of part-time lecturers is timely ("Bring this supply in from the cold", THES , February 28).
We are piloting an online diagnostic tool that matches our part-timers' duties and previous experience with staff development workshops on offer. Lecturers and staff mentors seem to find it helpful.
Sujata Krishna
School of Engineering, Science and Design
Glasgow Caledonian University
Details: apu.gcal.ac.uk/pages/diagnostic/apu.htm