Guidance for those line-managing and mentoring ESAT fellows. Guidance for ESAT line-managers This guidance is intended for managers who have ESAT Fellows that report into them. It will set out the clear expectations of what the managers role is and how best they can support the fellows during their time in the scheme. The line-manager is responsible for the following: Ensuring a local induction is carried out which is specific to their School, Centre, or Institute and work area Meet with the fellow and set out clear fellowship objectives. Once agreed these should then be sent to HR to keep on record Meet regularly with the fellow to ensure they are on track during their fellowship and to rise or have risen any possible concerns Ensure that the fellow has an appointed mentor. It is the fellows responsibility but the manager should make sure this has happened and again inform HR when a mentor has been appointed Explain the probation period which for all academic staff is 12 months this is also the case for fellows Arrange and carry out PandDR meetings which identifies training and development needs Hold regular 1:1 informal review/progress meetings throughout Preparing the fellow for the formal fellowship review meeting ESAT Mentor’s Guide An academic mentor is identified and appointed as the Fellows mentor for throughout the fellowship to help to guide the fellow in matters of science and tackling issues that come with leading a group for the first time. The best mentorships are more like the relationship between a parent and adult child than between a boss and employee. They're characterised by mutual respect, trust, shared values, and good communication, and they find their apotheosis in the mentee's transition to mentor. The mentor is normally a senior colleague who may have followed a pathway that is of interest to the mentee or who has faced similar challenges to those the mentee will or may face in developing their career. They support the mentee and provide information and encouragement where appropriate. It is recommended and agreed between mentor and mentee how frequently they meet up but a good rule of thumb would be monthly initially and then maybe move to quarterly meetings. It will really depend on the individuals but to get the best out of this agreement it should be something that is entered into on a frequent basis to allow for a relationship and trust to build. Further advice and resources for mentors: Mentoring packs and advice are available from IAD. Mentoring Connections Coaching and mentoring Development opportunities for researchers This article was published on 2024-09-09
