Misson and purpose
The purpose of the network is to create a space for shared practice around research supervision development. We know that many institutions are working with similar questions and challenges, and that valuable practice already exists across the network.
The aim is to create a space where those working with research supervisors can share what they are doing, what they are learning, and how we, as a sector, can better support one another through this peer network.
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Sessions are designed to be practical, informal, and discussion-based. There is no formal pre-reading, but we encourage participants to spend a few minutes reflecting on the session topic in advance so they can bring questions, examples, or challenges from their own institutional context.
How we will do this
Collaborative problem-solving
Bring a live challenge and leave with ideas, contacts, and a sense of next steps.
Themes discussions
Each month has a focus, chosen by the network.
Showcasing impactful work
Short demonstrations of what is working - showcasing good practice in action.
Monthly shared-practice sessions
One hour, online, over lunch: 12:00 to 13:00 BST. There is no formal pre-reading, no papers to prepare, and no attendance expectations beyond coming when the theme is useful to you.
01
A distinct theme
Each session focuses on one topic, drawn from what the network says it needs.
02
1–2 short contributions
Brief institutional inputs, for example: an example, a reflection, or a challenge you are still wrestling with.
03
Open floor discussion
Questions, comparisons, and practical help from people doing the same job elsewhere.
A network for all colleagues who work with Research Supervisor Development
This network is created for the people doing the day-to-day work of developing research supervisors: the developers, heads of researcher development, and academic leaders who design and run supervision development in their institutions. Whether you’re from research-intensive universities, teaching-focused institutions, or specialist and multi-campus settings, all researcher developers are welcome.
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Every RSVP Practitioner Partner is welcome to join any session, at any point in the year. There is no separate sign-up and no commitment to attend every month. If a theme is useful to you, simply drop in. Your colleagues are also welcome to join.
2026 Sessions
Slides, summaries, and session outputs are added here after each session, so the network stays useful whether or not you could make it.
All sessions 12:00 – 13:00 BST
Bring something to the table
Sharing work you are proud of, a challenge you have not cracked, or simply what you are planning for the academic year is what keeps this network alive. Contributions can be short and informal.
Get in touch
Julia and Roisin​
Tell us the month that suits you and roughly what you would like to talk about.