We are delighted to announce the next iteration of the BRC sponsored Reverse Mentoring Programme, launching in May 2026.

Reverse mentoring offers a unique opportunity for senior leaders to learn directly from early career researchers and colleagues, allowing space for honest, respectful and open dialogue and gaining perspectives on lived experiences, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and emerging research cultures.

This is an essential investment in the personal and professional development of leaders and contributes to the advancement of an inclusive and innovative culture within the NIHR Southampton infrastructure (BRC, ARC and CRF). The insights you gain will directly support your decision-making, leadership style, and strategic impact.

 

Key benefits for mentees:

• First-hand understanding of challenges and perspectives across the research community

• Improved understanding of privilege, power, and unconscious bias.

• Deepen understanding of the lived experiences of others and how this can impact on career progression and development. 

• Strengthened capacity to lead inclusively and drive positive change

• Contribution to embedding an inclusive culture within the NIHR Southampton Infrastructure

We strongly encourage all members of the leadership team to take part. Your participation signals commitment to both our values and to your own ongoing growth as a leader.

Programme details:

• Launch: May 2026

• Duration: 6 months (option to extend if mutually agreed)

• Commitment: 4–6 one-to-one sessions with your mentor and attendance at the Reverse Mentoring Training Day on Thursday 28th May from 09:00 to 12:00 2026. Please note that a minimum of two of the one-to-one sessions need to be held in person. 

• Fully supported with a facilitation team

 

To register your interest as a mentee, please complete this short form by 12:00 on Monday 13th April 2026.

 

Please note that we will only be able to accept mentees based on the number of mentors available and will do so on a first come first serve basis. We therefore encourage you to register your interest in a timely manner. 

Training Day Details:
When: Thursday 28th May 2026 from 09:00 to 12:00
Where: LE30, Laboratory & Pathology Block, E Level, Southampton General Hospital

If you require any reasonable adjustments at the Training Day, please contact Beckie Miles at

brc-applications@uhs.nhs.uk.
 
If you have any questions about the scheme, please reach out to Sanjay or Tundun via:
Olatundun Gafari – O.Y.Gafari@southampton.ac.uk  
Sanjay Ramamoorthy - sanjay.ramamoorthy@uhs.nhs.uk