CPD type
Structured programme
Supervisor experience
All supervisor levels
Intervention lead author
Dr Julia Rayner, University of York
1
Released as part of
Phase 1
Piloting feedback deadline
30 June 2026
Page last updated
23 September 2025
Supervisor peer mentoring circles provide a supportive environment for supervisors to meet regularly for semi-structured discussions focused on research supervision. The objective is to boost their confidence and improve supervisory practices through shared experiences. Through peer dialogue, participants gain new insights and develop practical strategies.
Weeks 1 to 8: Setting up the programme
In the first eight weeks, the programme coordinator should focus on setting up the programme. This includes:
Raising awareness and encouraging engagement;
Creating an application form;
Delivering an information session;
Allocating participants to mentoring groups.
Weeks 9 to 12: Starting the mentoring programme
Once participants have been allocated to groups, the programme coordinator should facilitate the initial introductory meetings for each group and establish expectations.
Weeks 13 to 24: Ongoing support and mid-point check-in
After the introductory meetings, each group will meet on their own terms with the programme coordinator providing support when necessary. It is a good idea to conduct a check-in with the group roughly halfway through their programme (ideally in person by taking 15 minutes of their scheduled meeting or failing this via email) to ensure the group is still meeting their needs, make suggestions that might enhance the experience, and find out whether they need any additional support.
Week 24: End-of-programme feedback and reflection
As each mentoring circle reaches the end of their six-month journey, the programme coordinator will begin to wrap up the programme. Reflection should be incorporated as part of this both to help participants consolidate their learning, and to support ongoing improvement of the programme.
Learning objectives
By the end of the programme, participants will have:
broadened their supervisory knowledge and practices
developed a more extensive network beyond their disciplinary area
collectively worked through supervisory challenges and opportunities using a peer mentoring approach
gained a wider institutional perspective
built more confidence as a supervisor.
Delivery format & timings
Six 90-minute sessions are recommended for delivery over a six-month period, either in person or online
Criteria alignment with the UKCGE's Good Supervisory Practice Framework
Theme(s)
Reflecting on supervisory practice
What is included in this resource pack?
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Facilitator Manual [PDF]: This manual contains full details for this intervention and must be read first.
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Appendices [PDF]: This document contains supplementary material referenced in the manual.
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Practitioner Partner Pilot Log [.DOCX]: This editable document is to be used throughout the programme in order to provide piloting feedback to RSVP.
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Group Expectations Example [.PDF]: This document can be used in introductory session for new groups to ensure that they set-up clear expectations.
Information session resources:
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Information session facilitator manual [.PDF]: This manual outlines how to deliver and adapt the information session workshop.
Supervisor Peer Mentoring Circles_Information session slides [.PPTX]: These PowerPoint slides can be used for both in-person and online sessions.
Resource pack format
All resource packs are in the form of a compressed zip folder. To unzip and access all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select "Extract All" and then follow the on-screen instructions.