edpsy mentoring directory: a permanent feature and seeking new mentors
After a successful pilot our mentoring directory will be a permanent feature of the site. During our pilot we gathered ten mentors, and now we’re looking to expand this.
Next steps for the directory
Recruiting more mentors
Our hope now is to make the mentoring directory the central place to turn to should EPs, at different stages of their careers, want to seek out a mentor. This is particularly important for people who do not have ready access to existing networks and contacts that could provide this.
We want to significantly grow the number of mentors listed in the directory. This means we’ll be going through a period of ‘recruitment’ – asking qualified EPs to join the directory. We will maintain the approach we used in the pilot phase, hosting a directory. That is, we are not providing a managed mentoring scheme.
If you are keen to join the directory as a mentor:
- Please read the directory terms and conditions
- Complete our form to be added to the directory
Widening access to aspiring EPs
A significant change to the directory is opening it up to aspiring EPs. During the pilot phase mentoring was restricted to trainee and qualified EPs. Based on feedback and reflection we have decided that in the future, aspiring EPs will be able to access mentoring through the directory, as long as individual mentors highlight they are happy with this.
This comes with some caveats. For example, some mentors on the directory are tutors on professional EP training courses. Mentors who are tutors on training courses will only offer one-off conversations with aspiring TEPs; but would not look at applications. This would ensure the process was focused on mentoring rather than coaching and could include signposting mentees and supporting them in other ways with regards to their aspirations.
Reflecting on the pilot phase
The pilot phase of the approach was for qualified EPs or TEPs wanting support for the next step in their career development. It was also a learning experience for us to determine if there was demand and if it’s something we should invest more time in.
The EPs who initially approached edpsy about the directory identified a strong desire within the profession to provide access to mentoring, particularly for people from under-represented and/or marginalised groups. Demand for mentoring is high and there are few free, accessible and clear ways for people to identify potential mentors.
The pilot phase ran between February – May 2023. Six people were mentored across fourteen sessions. Mentors and mentees provided positive feedback about the experience across the board, and we’ve shared some qualitative feedback here:
Research support
My mentee got in touch with me as they were keen to publish some of their doctoral research. The mentoring process gave the mentee a space in which to discuss their research and explore what aspect they wished to possibly write a paper about. As a mentor I found it incredibly rewarding to work with this mentee and to support their thinking and progress towards publishing their research.
Mentor
I am so happy to inform you that I graduated last Thursday. I want to appreciate your time and effort during our mentoring session last year. I was so frustrated with my thesis but your mentoring gave me hope of completing it. I finally pulled through and I look forward to more academic successes. I also look forward to writing and publishing in a journal soon.
Mentee
A safe place
It has been a brilliant opportunity to access support with an experienced and knowledgeable EP with current links to the Doctoral Program. My experience was that it was a safe space to discuss some of the challenges with someone outside of my current place of work, which can allow for more candid conversations about workplace cultures and practices.
Mentee
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