Leadership and Management Academy looking for new mentors

January 30th, 2023

The Leadership and Management Academy (LMA) are looking for new mentors from all Faculties, Schools and Professional Services Departments, who would like to offer one hour of their time per month to support the career and/or professional development of another member of staff.

All staff, from all job levels and any job family can apply to be a mentor.

We know how important it is to be able to see ourselves in others, representation matters. We are very keen to hear from staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQIA staff, staff with disabilities, neurodiverse members of staff, and anyone who has overcome a challenge within their working lives that they may be able to share with others to help them on their journey.

We believe that everyone has something that they can offer, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel it is. It may just be the missing piece to someone else’s puzzle.

What does mentoring involve?

The Internal Mentor Pool currently comprises around 80 staff from a range of professional service and academic roles, who we match to staff across the university. Often staff looking for mentoring want support from others who have experienced what they are currently working through.  You don’t need to have any qualification to be a mentor, it’s your life experience and commitment to helping others that we want you to bring to this activity.  We will offer you the support and training you need as part of your induction to mentoring.

What’s in it for you?

Mentoring creates opportunities for the development of supportive relationships, enabling individuals to develop personally and professionally.  By being a mentor, you’ll also benefit from personal development, deeper insights into the challenges others face, and a greater understanding of the positive impact you can have on others.

There is no requirement for you to mentor a certain number of mentees throughout a year, but we would like you to mentor at least one staff member within every 12-month period, offering at least one hour per month of your time.  We offer internal training, support and a Community of Practice where you can build relationships with other university mentors.

Hear it from some of our current mentors

“It allows me to stop thinking about my work responsibilities for a while and focus on helping someone with their career development or a knotty work issue.  If I can help a colleague even in a small way to achieve a promotion or to help them understand more about the University, that makes me feel like I’ve made a contribution.” Jonathan Lamley, School of Medicine

“It’s been an absolute joy to see my mentees develop during my time acting as a mentor. Not only am I seeing them flourish personally and professionally, I am also validating my own leadership and coaching skills, as well as learning from them as part of their journey.” Dan Shaw, Registry and Academic Affair

“Mentoring can provide safe and secure learning environment in which staff can discuss and ask those questions they might never ask in other forums” Rob Severn, Estates and Facilities

“As a mentor, I feel like I’m able to gain new connections and insights, as well as feeling that I’m benefitting someone who might be at a pretty pivotal moment of their career or life. I believe in supporting and championing others, especially women and especially intersectional women who experience more barriers to progression within their careers. To have the opportunity to support and progress equity at the University is something I really value -and so my mentoring work is really important to me.” Janette Alvaro-Cruz, Student and Campus Life

“Working in an academic context can feel isolating, especially during the pandemic. It is more important than ever that the academic environment is generative and supportive and that university staff receive more peer support. Mentoring is a great way to achieve these goals.” Ruth Maxey, American and Canadian Studies

How can I become a mentor?

All members of staff at the university can complete a short application form to become a mentor.  You must feel comfortable with the prospect of mentoring people who may be working in a similar or different area to yourself.

There is more information on mentoring on the LMA Hub. For further information, please contact Cyrielle Mevel, Learning and Development Manager.

Tags: Leadership and Management Academy, LMA, Mentor, Mentoring Scheme
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