Mentor scheme

The GISRUK conference series has recently started trialling a mentor scheme for conference attendees, a chance for those who define themselves as ECRs (Early Career Researchers) to have the opportunity to be linked to a more experienced individual who is able to provide guidance around career development and similar aspects. This scheme is completely voluntary but we hope it enables conversations and offers an extra line of support to ECRs outside of traditional avenues.

• The scheme runs for 12 months between the annual GISRUK conference events, usually held in April.
• Mentors and mentees (ECRs) can sign-up to the scheme in the days before the GISRUK conference once they are registered to attend.
• The scheme team will assign ECRs to mentors based on the information given while signing-up to the mentor scheme.
• During the conference there will be a short introductory session for this years scheme and to allow mentees to meet their mentors.
• After the conference, the expectation is that mentees will lead any contact with their mentor – e.g. send an email to introduce themselves, ask for some guidance or similar when they would like to. A mentor does not replace a tutor or supervisor (where applicable).
• If you have previously enrolled in the scheme as a mentee and would like to again and be assigned a different mentor, please sign-up. If you are happy with your existing mentor, no action is required if you both agree you would like to continue (though this should be expected).
• Mentors will be allocated no more than 3 mentees and will be expected to meet with mentees at least once during GISRUK and should try engage with mentees at least once more during the 12 month period (in-person or online).

• You should be registered and attending the GISRUK 2024 conference in Leeds.
• Mentees – To register as a mentee you should consider yourself an ECR (Early Career Researcher).
• Mentors – To register as a mentor, you should have some experience of mentoring or supervising ECRs already and be willing to commit a few hours over the next 12 months to engage with any mentees you are assigned (capped at 3 unless agreed otherwise), and be willing and able to give advice on a range of matters ECRs may wish to speak to you about.

• In accordance with GDPR, details of all those who sign-up will be stored securely, will only be available to the scheme administrative team, and all details will be deleted within 18 months of the scheme starting. If anyone wishes to be removed from the scheme, or have their details deleted, they should contact the scheme team. 
• GISRUK is not responsible for the conduct of those who are members of the scheme as either mentors or mentees. If in any circumstances an individual is concerned or affected by the behaviour or conduct of someone, a mentor or mentee, this should be reported immediately to someone in a position of responsibility as well as the scheme team.

Thanks

GISRUK 2024 Team