The University is running another Reverse Mentoring programme, this time specifically for STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) staff.

This is part of the EPSRC funded STEMM-CHANGE project. The programme is led by Stacy Johnson, School of Health Sciences and supported by Lucy Williams, Project Officer.

What is reverse mentoring?
Reverse mentoring is when a person in a senior position (the reverse mentee) is mentored by someone in a more junior position to themselves (the reverse mentor).

In this case, we will be pairing up UoN staff in STEMM disciplines who have protected characteristics or under-represented differences with senior staff. These include:

• LGBTQ staff
• Staff with disabilities
• BAME staff
• Women
• People with caring responsibilities
• People with flexible work patterns

The aim is to give a senior member of staff insight into what it is like to be someone working in a STEMM subject in Higher Education with an under-represented difference. The programme provides an opportunity for staff to engage in honest, open and respectful conversations about the experiences of people with a range of social characteristics and identities, the opportunities that diversity offers and the barriers that staff with protected characteristics can face in STEMM subjects.

How is the programme structured and what support is available?
Starting in March 2020, the reverse mentoring relationship will last for six months. Reverse mentors will have the opportunity to attend a half-day training course and reverse mentees will attend a 90-minute preparation session.

The time that reverse mentors and reverse mentees spend with each other will be agreed by each pair, but it is anticipated that you will meet for one hour per month. Reverse mentors will have access to optional, monthly peer support sessions, while reverse mentors and mentees will have 90-minute facilitated reflective practice sessions 3 months into the relationship and at the end of the six-month programme.

How do I become a reverse mentor?
Any member of staff who identifies as being from an under-represented group (as above) can be a reverse mentor if they are willing to share their experiences with someone who is different to themselves.

Find more information about being a reverse mentor and sign up

How do I become a reverse mentee?
Any senior member of staff who believes they would benefit from being reverse mentored by a junior staff member who is different to them can sign up to become a reverse mentee. Reverse mentoring could help in your role as a leader in the University and contribute to removing barriers to inclusion and delivering the University’s EDI efforts.

Find more information about becoming a reverse mentee and sign up to be allocated a junior colleague to be your reverse mentor

Next steps
If you would like to be a reverse mentor or mentee, you will need to sign up to the programme via the links above. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 3 February 2020.

Preparation and training will be provided for both mentors and mentees.

Before applying, please make sure you are free on one of the following days:

For mentors:
Friday 21 February: 10am-2pm, B7, Hemsley, University Park

Friday 28 February: 10am-2pm, B23, Pope Building, University Park

For mentees:
Monday 24 February: 10.30am – 12pm, B7, Hemsley, University Park

Friday 28 February: 2.30pm – 4pm, A22, Pope Building, University Park

Tuesday 3 March: 10.30am – 12pm, B4, Trent Building, University Park

For more information about reverse mentoring please contact Inclusion Matters Project Officer, Lucy Williams