UCoSDA is an agency of the CVCP and was set up in 1989. Its main role is to carry out research and promote continuing professional development among academics. It has published a number of reports, including one six months ago into the development of academics as teachers, which found that in half of responding institutions, induction courses were mandatory for new academics. Continuing professional development was voluntary and very patchy. The emphasis on research was seen as the main obstacle to teaching development in universities.