Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles Pilot 2024/25: Researcher Developers Rock! – Find your band
In September 2024 we launched a new peer mentoring opportunity for those with responsibility for developing researchers at Vitae member institutions.
The new initiative was developed by the Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles Steering Group and aims to convert the inherent diversity of researcher development roles from a challenge into a strength. The scheme has piloted inter-institutional Peer Mentoring Circles built on the framework of action learning sets, for researcher developers at any stage of their career.
The group-based approach aims to facilitate sharing of knowledge and good practice, and the creation of small, accessible professional networks for researcher developers.
What are the aims of the programme?
- To create small, accessible professional networks for researcher developers
- To provide a safe space for sharing experiences and challenges
- To facilitate problem-solving through supportive peer groups
- To enable sharing of knowledge and practice across organisations
- To build strength through diversity by being inclusive of all career stages, roles (within the development of researchers) and institution types
What is the commitment required?
Members of the pilot scheme will need to commit to full participation, including:
- attending the induction meeting
- participating in the mentoring circle meetings
- contribute to organising and facilitating their circles (with support)
- ensuring equitable, inclusive and accessible participation with their mentoring circle peers (with support).
- It is suggested that groups meet online at least 3 times during the course of the pilot. We recognise that that life happens and this may impact your participation in the programme, but we do ask that you initially commit to full participation.
Each ‘circle’ of 5-7 individuals will be a small, accessible professional network for those who develop researchers. Within the pilot programme they will meet at least 3 times, using action learning set principles to discuss specific challenges they face.
The pilot was open to anyone in an active role developing researchers (research students and/or research staff) at a Vitae member institution.
We recognise that job titles and exact roles for ‘researcher developers’ vary greatly across the sector – for the purposes of the pilot, “Researcher Developers” are defined as working in a role which includes the development of researchers.
An induction event introduced the scheme in more detail including how the mentoring circles will run. Individual groups were given autonomy on exactly how they wish to run the group and when they meet. Vitae will support by setting up three calls for each group (for Stream A), but groups are welcome to meet more regularly. Vitae will also act as the contact point for any questions, issues or feedback.
Stream A – meetings set up by Vitae
Stream B – meetings set up by Circle
There will be a debriefing session to provide a chance to discuss the pilot scheme and future plans.
Members of the Vitae Peer Mentoring Steering Group
- Rosie Wadman – co-chair
- Heather Mackenzie – co-chair
- Alison Monkhouse
- Emma Compton-Daw
- Ger Downes
- Jennie Cripps
- Lisa Thompson
- Saneeya Qureshi
- Vani Naik
- Rachel Cox (Vitae)
- Hannah Russell (Vitae)