In this paper the authors describe the underlying ethos of the newly established NETTLE thematic network, the research that underpinned the bid for funding and the first few months of network operations and activities. It is essential to attend to the professional and academic development requirements of tertiary level educators if the aspirations of the Bologna Declaration1, in general, and the Tuning2 project, in particular, are to be fully realised. The authors of this paper are coordinating the Socrates/Erasmus funded Network of European Tertiary Level Educators (NETTLE) which aims to develop European-wide academic frameworks to equip educators in higher education with the competencies and skills necessary to provide effective and validated support for learners. Established in January 2005, with partners from higher education and related institutions in most European countries, NETTLE has a three year work plan covering the collection and synthesis of information from across Europe, culminating in the evolution and dissemination of frameworks and guiding principles. These will include descriptors of content, learning objectives and outcomes, delivery methods, pedagogic and technical infrastructure requirements and quality assurance processes. Membership of NETTLE is open to any individual or institution sharing its aspirations. Contributions to the processes and frameworks are welcome from educators, educational developers, learning technologists and subject specialists. Designing the frameworks involves analysing the policy context(s) and accreditation procedures for educational development across Europe; establishing the initial entry requirements plus the continuing professional and educational development needs of tertiary level educators; reviewing existing provision for embedding, upgrading and updating learner support competencies in institutions of higher education; and reaching agreement on areas of convergence. Outputs from these activities include needs analyses, project documents, critical commentaries and evaluation reports. The project website facilitates operation of the network and dissemination of findings and frameworks. NETTLE brings together people with a strong commitment to the education and training of tertiary level educators in Europe. Over three years the network will assist moves towards the convergence within tertiary level education across Europe and put in place a continuation/sustainability strategy to ensure that members will contribute to future initiatives. Notes: 1The Bologna Declaration: a pledge made in 1999 by twenty- nine countries 'to reform the structures of their higher education systems in a convergent way'. The declaration is available online at http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/policies/educ/bologna/b ologna.pdf (last accessed 25 January 2005). 2 Information about the Tuning Educational Structures in Europe project can be found at http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/policies/educ/tuning/tu ning_en.html (last accessed 25 January 2005).