Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles Pilot 2024/25: Researcher Developers Rock! – Find your band

Applications to join the 2024/2025 pilot scheme have now closed.

We are excited to launch a new peer mentoring opportunity for those with responsibility for developing researchers at Vitae member institutions.

The new initiative has been 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 will pilot inter-institutional Peer Mentoring Circles built on the framework of action learning sets, for researcher developers at any stage of their career.

This group-based approach aims to facilitate sharing of knowledge and good practice, and the creation of small, accessible professional networks for researcher developers. 

The scheme was launched at the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2024, if you attended the conference, you can view the recording now.

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 a 'peer mentoring circle'?

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.

Who can apply?

The pilot is 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. If your role involves supporting researchers with their development, we encourage you to apply.

If you are not sure if your institution is a member, or you would like to find out more about becoming a member, please email membership@vitae.ac.uk

What is the timeline?

Deadline to apply – 1 October 2024

Matching complete – mid-October 2024

Induction meeting – November 2024

Peer circles meet – 3 times over the 2024/25 academic year

Debriefing session – towards the end of the 2024/25 academic year

How will groups be matched?

The groups will be matched by the Vitae Peer Mentoring Circles Steering Group. The exact process for matching will depend on who applies to the pilot but the guiding principles will be to create groups that are diverse in terms of institutions, roles and career stage.

How will the groups be supported?

An induction event will introduce the scheme in more detail including how the mentoring circles will run. Individual groups will be 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, but groups are welcome to meet more regularly. Vitae will also act as the contact point for any questions, issues or feedback. There will be a debriefing session to provide a chance to discuss the pilot scheme and future plans.

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.  

The members of the Vitae Peer Mentoring Steering Group are:

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)