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

Reverse mentoring is a powerful way for early career researchers and colleagues to support an inclusive culture in NIHR Southampton infrastructure by sharing lived experiences, perspectives, and insights with senior leaders. Your voice can shape decision-making and help create a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative research environment.

This iteration of the programme is being delivered based on useful feedback from the previous scheme, ensuring it is relevant, impactful and that mentors are well supported every step of the way.

 

What we offer mentors:

• Mentoring training before the programme begins, including skills in facilitation, managing conversations, and setting boundaries

•  A flexible programme handbook with ideas, discussion prompts, and resources

• Regular mentor peer-support meetings

• Ongoing guidance from the programme team throughout

• A chance to influence NIHR Southampton infrastructure culture and leadership practice

• Taking part in this scheme can also be added to your CV and is recognised as your contributions and efforts to an inclusive culture

• An optional payment for your time as a mentor at the NIHR involvement rate is offered.

Programme details:

• Launch: May 2026

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

• Commitment: 4–6 one-to-one meetings with your mentee 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. 

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

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We are inviting volunteer mentors who are early in their careers and who identify as being from underserved, underrepresented, or minoritised backgrounds. This may include colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with a physical and/or mental health condition, neurodiverse individuals, or individuals who have experienced structural or systemic disadvantage.

There is no fixed definition of “underrepresented” for this scheme. We welcome anyone who feels their perspective is not always centred within traditional leadership spaces. We are particularly interested in individuals who can share their lived experiences of navigating the early stages of their career, including challenges or barriers faced, and who are willing to engage in open dialogue with leaders to help shape more inclusive practices moving forward. 

The scheme is open to everyone including those who are clinical or non-clinical staff (research assistant, research fellow or lecturer) and postgraduate students affiliated to the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Clinical Research Facility (CRF) or Wessex Applied Research Collaboration. 

 

Please register your interest by completing this short form by 12:00 on Monday 13th April 2026.

 

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