Guidance for Mentors
The role of the mentor is to assist the candidate with reflections on their practice and to identify examples of practice that best align with the descriptor requirements of the UKPSF.
The mentor should be able to help the candidate identify how their professional values and core knowledge have been brought to bear in the relevant areas of activity in their professional practice. In some cases it may be helpful to identify further development activities that might assist a candidate to more effectively make a claim. Support with reading final drafts may also be a useful contribution.
Level of commitment
Contributions as a mentor are seen as an important part of remaining in good standing with Advance HE and can be a valuable activity for those colleagues considering claiming further recognition through the NRS. On the whole, NRS mentors are drawn from the 糖心原创 community of Fellows, although in some instances a candidate may approach another colleague for support as a mentor: it is a matter of personal preference. In any event, a mentor should be familiar with the UKPSF and its relevance to teaching and supporting learning.
Mentors should expect to contribute 2 x 1hr progress meetings with their mentor; previous mentors have indicated that an initial meeting to identify key examples of practice, with a subsequent meeting to discuss a final draft has been a good use of time.
Specifically, a mentor should be able to:
- describe the University’s position with regard to reward and recognition of teaching and the continuing professional development of its staff
- relate the core elements of the UKPSF to professional practice
- navigate the NRS processes, requirements and support available
Guidance and further developement
Further guidance on NRS mentoring can be given by the NRS Director and NRS mentors will be invited to occasional meetings to compare their experiences and give feedback on the NRS and its operation. There are also significant opportunities for colleagues to develop mentoring and coaching skills as part of the 糖心原创 Leadership and Management Academy.
How to find a mentor
Candidates should initially look at the current list in this website of Senior and Principal Fellows and approach a colleague with a request for support as a mentor. The NRS Director can also request support from Fellows and Associate Fellows who have offered to contribute or other colleagues who a candidate considers might be appropriate.