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Peer Mentoring Circles for Research Supervisors

Through mentoring we can reflect, learn, and recognise and acknowledge excellent supervision.

At York supervisors at all levels and disciplines can take part in peer mentoring circles with those who are motivated to apply for recognition grouped together to enable them to actively identify evidence.

Over the course of 2025 (February to July), we have piloted a supervisor peer mentoring circle programme at York as part of the Next Generation Research Supervision Project (RSVP). Four groups of six to eight supervisors from a range of disciplines and levels of experience have met monthly over six months to discuss supervisory topics in a supportive, collaborative environment. Some of these participants have chosen to continue to meet beyond the six months because of the value they are getting from the group, with some also setting up their own mentoring circles within their departments.

Contact us

Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP)

What is peer mentoring?

The European Coaching and Mentoring Council defines mentoring as “a learning relationship, involving the sharing of skills, knowledge, and expertise between a mentor and mentee through developmental conversations, experience sharing, and role modelling.”

For the purpose of RSVP, peer mentoring within this programme is defined as bringing supervisors together for impactful, focused conversations that further the development of supervisory skills and practice. Through sharing experiences, tackling real issues, and challenging each other’s thinking, mentors and mentees build confidence in their supervisory approaches.

Why peer mentoring?

Good supervisory practice, like all professional practice, requires an understanding of policies, processes, and regulations to ensure quality assurance and uphold professional conduct. In research supervision, this involves knowing what, when, and how to support the formal, regulatory aspects of the doctoral journey, such as recruitment, monitoring of progress, and the viva assessment.

However, understanding and implementing procedures is just one part of the complex and extended nature of doctoral study. Each supervisory relationship is unique, meaning a supervisor needs a range of knowledge, skills, and approaches to support their candidate. This is where reflective practice and peer support becomes so important. 

Mentoring is one of the most effective ways for supervisors to enhance their supervisory skills, evaluate their practices, and support the professional development of others. Mentoring also aligns with national priorities, including the R&D People and Culture Strategy, the New Deal for Postgraduate Research, and the focus on People, Culture and Environment in the 2028 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

"For me, working with other supervisors as part of a peer mentoring circle was a very effective method for learning and developing my practice. Being able to discuss approaches with colleagues from different disciplines and experience levels helped both practically, but also made me realise that I am part of a community of supervisors, where we benefit from a mutual appreciation of common experiences and challenges."

2025/26 programme for peer mentoring circles

How does it work?

  • Duration: Approximately six (60 to 90 minute) sessions over a six month period with a consistent group of participants from various disciplines.
  • Format: Participants collectively decide on session topics from the outset.
  • Facilitation: Experienced facilitator(s) lead each session, ensuring objectives are met and everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
  • Support: In the initial meeting, participants set up an agreement on how they will work together and prioritise the discussion themes. All participants receive basic professional development support in mentoring skills.

Who is it for?

​This programme is for supervisors at any stage of their career looking for a collaborative and discussion-based approach.

What are the benefits of taking part?

Onboarding of new supervisors
Structured and reflective conversations help new supervisors transition into their roles.
Improving supervisory practices
Supervisors from different disciplines and varying experience levels benefit from reflecting on their approaches and sharing insights.
Problem solving with peers
Peer mentoring offers supervisors a safe space to share challenges and find solutions.

The benefits of taking part in peer mentoring circles also extend beyond supervisory practice. Participants forge new relationships, increase their understanding of the wider university context and build their knowledge and confidence as supervisors and academics. These kinds of initiatives that take staff out of their day-to-day activities to prioritise their own development and the development of others significantly contribute to culture change when they become self-sustaining and widespread.

Testimonials from previous participants

  • "I've appreciated having space to learn from others about their experiences, and a constructive environment in which to go through the processes of supervision, the relationships, and identify and explore challenges and difficult issues. My feeling is that we often don't get a chance to learn from each others' experiences of supervision, for whatever reason, and that it is helpful to know what some of the things to look out for might be and to reflect on how one might or has responded in certain situations"
  • "Peer mentoring is a great way to share practice with colleagues across different disciplines, learn new approaches and develop support networks. Peer mentoring adds structure and accountability, to ensure sessions are productive and efficient."
  • "The mentoring group provides an opportunity to discuss and reflect on things that I don't feel confident about as a new supervisor, and whilst there are often no easy answers, I definitely feel that the process itself is helping me to build confidence."

How to find out more and apply 

Attend our upcoming information session at 12 noon on Monday 26 January 2026 to find out more about this year's programme, how it works and how it can help you.

Register for the Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles information session

How to apply

To join a peer mentoring circle, please fill in the application form to help us match peers based on their needs, experience, and areas of interest.

Apply for peer mentoring circles

Apply by 5pm on Monday 2 February 2026 to be part of this year’s final cohort which will run from February 2026 to July 2026. Group allocations for this cohort will be confirmed by Friday 6 February 2026.

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Contact us

Next Generation Research SuperVision Project (RSVP)