Bristol Women's Mentoring Network was first launched in February 2019 as part of the University's commitment to eradicate the gender pay gap and to create gender equality in our workplace. Since launching the programme, we have had five successful cohorts, and there has been positive feedback from those that took part in a mentoring relationship that the relationships have helped with work-life balance, wellbeing, developing interpersonal skills and more. We would encourage all eligible mentees and mentors to join the scheme and benefit from the power of connecting with others.
Who is eligible to be a new mentee?
Women or individuals who identify as female (academic or professional services) on grades J, K, L & M, who have not previously been matched on the scheme in a 1:1 set up.
Who is eligible to be a new mentor?
Anyone from academic, professional services & University of Bristol Alumni grades K, L, M & X. For returning mentors, please contact uob-mentoring@bristol.ac.uk to express your interest.
When does the scheme run?
The scheme will run from March 2025 until February 2026. Dates of the information sessions will be announced in the all-staff bulletin at the start of the year when participants will be invited to sign up.
What can you talk about in a mentoring conversation?
Broadly, a mentor may help you think about:
How many times will I meet my mentor?
We ask you to meet a minimum of four times throughout the year.
How do I sign up?
New mentees and mentors need to sign up via Develop (click on available courses). The induction session is the first part of the scheme, and following that you will be sent a matching form to fill in. You will be matched and informed of your mentor in March. For returning mentors, please contact uob-mentoring@bristol.ac.uk to express your interest.
What are the time commitments?
"Provided a really valuable point of understanding and stability (and challenge - on the right things) through an exceptionally difficult time."
"All the women in my feedback group (at the celebration event) had been given sufficient increased confidence to apply for promotions/jobs for which they would have hesitated before. I am applying for accelerated progression as a direct result of my mentor."
"My mentor helped me turn negative situations into positive opportunities (during a) the lockdown and pandemic, and b) a huge department restructure and threat of redundancy..."
"I love mentoring. It is such a privilege to be part of other people's life's. And such a joy and inspiration when those you mentee make big changes and move forward. Don't get me wrong- mentoring is challenging, but in a good way. It forces you to inspect your values and culture and decide whether you are going to keep them or leave them at the door. It opens your eyes to the things in your life that are good, and take account of the changes you have had to make to get where you are. Everybody should have a mentor, and we should all embrace the opportunity to be a mentor as it is an enriching experience." Professor Esther Crawley, Professor of Child Health
Sign up via Develop (Click on available courses and book on to an information session). Returning mentors, please contact uob-mentoring@bristol.ac.uk
Sign up via Develop. (Click on available courses and book on to an information session).
We are very pleased to announce that Esther Crawley won Mentor of the Year: Public Sector in the Hargreaves Lansdown South West Mentoring Awards 2020.
Download the Mid Scheme Evaluation Info graphics 2019 (PDF, 179kB)
Please use the resources we've listed here to help look after yourself and your colleagues.
Find more information on mentoring here.
