Mentoring scheme
Mentoring provides an enabling relationship based on an exchange of knowledge, experience and goodwill.
The School of Chemistry recognises the challenges in launching an independent academic career, and it provides experienced mentors to support all new staff. The mentors advise on all aspects of career development, from teaching to running a research group and applying for external funding. They offer feedback on applications for fellowships and research grants. Mentors can advise on procedures for progression and promotions, help colleagues to develop the portfolio of teaching and research achievements necessary, and encourage them to apply for accelerated progression or promotion when ready.
For postdocs, having a mentor can be a great way to ease the pressures associated with the role, help you to set goals, widen your network and plan your career. Therefore, all new postdocs are given information about the School of Chemistry’s Postdoctoral Mentoring Scheme as part of their induction. This includes details of how to sign up for the scheme, which will pair you up with another member of academic staff who works in your field.
Further information on the principles of mentoring is available through the Staff Development team.
I've really seen how our meetings have helped the mentee formulate and clarify thoughts about their future career plans, which I’ve watched crystallise into concrete actions in the last few months. An occasional chat over coffee, away from the School of Chemistry, has also provided a valuable opportunity to articulate and review some of the day-to-day challenges of postdoctoral life in a setting removed from the context of the research itself.
Report and Support
Bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, assault and discrimination are not acceptable. Students and staff can report something anonymously or get advice.
Acceptable Workplace Behaviour Advisory Service
The University has a network of trained volunteers who provide an informal advisory service to staff who feel they may be experiencing unacceptable behaviour, bullying or harassment at work. The Advisors help people accused of unacceptable behaviour as well as those who are unhappy with behaviour.
I very much benefitted from the postdoc mentor scheme. Since March, we met every 2-3 months and we're planning to keep this pace. I feel it has been very helpful to better define my priorities and understand what I would like to do in the future, so highly recommended for every postdoc in the School.
Further resources
You may find the following resources useful:
Contact us
Please note the School of Chemistry Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets six times a year. If you have any questions concerning EDI or anything you would like to raise with the committee please email chem-edi@bristol.ac.uk.