*Update 10.02.2023*

We have been blown away by the response to the launch of this years More than Mentoring scheme, since going live in January over 200 people have completed our expression of interest form.  To date 2/3 of those who have applied want to be mentees. We are now looking for more volunteers to sign up to be mentors. Thus we have extended the application window for mentors only to 19th February 2023.

You can still sign up to be a mentor. The expression of interest form will remain open until Sunday 19th February 2023. We are no longer accepting applications for mentees.

SIGN UP TO BE A MENTOR HERE.

Please contact the team using diversity@kcl.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Why do we run mentoring schemes?

We encourage all members of the King’s community to be involved with EDI activity which is largely about community, learning and development. Mentoring is a great opportunity to get involved as well as developing relationships with other colleagues and picking up skills which enhance career development. We know of the value and many benefits of mentoring, this scheme offers this and more: the opportunity to network and develop a community through training, workshops and events.

What is the more than mentoring scheme?

Our one-of-a-kind positive action scheme gives staff the opportunity to be paired with a colleague within King’s for mentorship. This is a fantastic chance to expand networks, build relationships and gain skills. Where possible, we match mentors and mentees with shared lived experience to enable a deeper understanding and connection between participants. Mentor pairs are encouraged to meet at least once a month for 6 months, from the end of February – end of July 2023.

What is the benefit for mentees?

For potential mentees, this is a great opportunity for you to connect with a mentor who can offer insight, advice, opportunity – and help you navigate the next stage of your career. King’s recognises that staff who identify as women, LGBTQ+ or have a disability, and those from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are significantly underrepresented at senior level. Therefore, the More than Mentoring scheme prioritises these groups to take part.

What is the benefit for mentors?

For potential mentors, this is a great opportunity to give back, become a better leader, and refine your own skills and networks. A previous mentor on the scheme had the following feedback and encouragement:

“I enjoyed meeting my mentee and building a good relationship that hopefully we will take forward. Also, I enjoyed pushing myself to help and develop another colleague at King’s in any way I was able to”.

In the past, the scheme has received more applications to be mentored rather than to be a mentor. We would encourage all the King’s community to consider whether they could undertake the mentor role. It can be easy to doubt what you have to offer, but many of us have valuable skills which could be shared and benefit others.

What do previous participants say about taking part?

Anne-Marie Wylie, Wellbeing Manager took part as both a mentor and mentee and has shared her experience and encouragement to take part. Here is what she had to say:

“I really enjoyed being a mentor, it was something I thought might be outside of my comfort zone or I wasn’t experienced enough for, but it was a great way to develop my inter-personal skills and gain insight into the work of a completely different area of King’s (and also gave me fresh perspective viewing work through someone else’s eyes). I would encourage anyone to sign up to become a mentor, you will have unique experiences and perspective to offer someone else and you will probably gain the same for yourself. 

My experience of being a mentee was equally as enjoyable and beneficial; it was great having someone more experienced as a sounding board to discuss how to navigate different work situations, who was impartial but also understood King’s cultures and structures. It gave me the opportunity to talk through my own approach and consider different ways to manage situations. 

My favourite part of the scheme was learning about the work of other areas, that I would likely never come across if it wasn’t for More than Mentoring. Through sharing our experiences and different perspectives, I learnt something from both my mentee and mentor and would tell anyone to take part to gain new ideas and perspectives”.

How to apply:

  • Deadline to express interest to be a mentor is now Sunday 19th February 2023.
  • The deadline to apply to be a mentee has now passed.
  • If you have any questions please contact the EDI team using diversity@kcl.ac.uk
  • Complete this expression of interest form.