This document discusses communities of practice at the University of Birmingham. It describes three communities that were established: a reading group, an academic practice writing group, and an academic practice research group. The reading group meets monthly to discuss key texts and is open to all at the university. The writing group uses a writing pool model and hosts monthly and summer writing days. The research group was discontinued due to lack of interest. The document notes that communities of practice depend on voluntary engagement and internal leadership rather than management. It also discusses challenges communities may face at different stages of recognition within their organization.