Global Majority Mentoring Programme 2023-24

What is the Global Majority Mentoring Programme (GMMP)? 

Through the programme we aim to: 

• Improve career progression for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff by providing a platform to match mentors and mentees. 
• Give mentees a chance to be partnered with a mentor from a different institution, broadening pan-London collaboration and giving mentees a space to seek tailored support from their mentor. 
• Give the opportunity to network with other Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals from institutions across the capital. 

NEW: 2023 GMMP Impact Report  and GMMP Impact Report Annex – Mentee evaluation survey

Sponsorship

Who can apply to this programme? 

You can apply for the programme if you: 

• Identify as being from a global majority background; 
• Are an academic with a title such as (but not limited to): assistant lecturer/lecturer, or are an early career researcher; OR
• Are a junior professional services member of staff;  
• Are keen to develop yourself professionally;
• Are willing to commit to the programme. 

We will accept applications from candidates with roles that go from the lowest grade in their institution (entry-level) up to roles that include a small supervisory element. To be eligible as a mentee, you must not already possess significant supervisory experience.  

You must also be a member of staff at a London campus of one of the participating institutions in 2024’s Programme. These institutions are:

• Anglia Ruskin University London
• Imperial College London
• London Metropolitan University
• London South Bank University
• Middlesex University London
• Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• St Mary’s University, Twickenham
• The Place
• University of Greenwich
• University of East London
• University of London
• University of Sunderland in London
• University of West London
• University of Westminster
• York St John University, London Campus

How was the programme created? 

London Higher and its members are committed to working towards building inclusive institutions that represent the global and wonderfully diverse city in which they are situated. We work with many talented professionals from the Global Majority, placing equality, opportunities for minoritised groups and a commitment to addressing imbalances front and centre. 

The Global Majority Mentoring Programme follows on from the North London Leadership Programme (NLLP), a positive action mentoring scheme for Black, Asian and minority ethnic academics and professional services staff run by London Metropolitan University and City, University of London. The NLLP was led by Amaechi Echedolu, Learning & Development Manager and Co-Chair of the BAME Staff Network at London Met.  

Amaechi and Darren de Souza, Senior Policy and Projects Officer at London Higher, organised and delivered the pan-London pilot in 2022, which involved 56 participants from 8 London Higher member institutions. In 2023, nearly 120 participants from 15 member institutions took part, and we look forward to continuing to build a vibrant network of Programme alumni throughout and beyond London HE.

Why is it called the Global Majority Mentoring Programme? 

We strive to use inclusive language and are aware that institutions across the London Higher membership may use terms such as (but not limited to): Black, Asian and minority ethnic; BAME; people of colour; global majority; and minoritised people.  

We anticipate that participants in this Mentoring Programme will be from the global majority – this includes White ethnic groups that are underrepresented in higher education, such as those from Roma, Gypsy or Traveller backgrounds. 

Why participate in the Programme?  

This is an opportunity for you to work with a mentor and to support your own development, You will work with your mentor to set goals and be supported in achieving them. You will: 

• Share your professional challenges and get advice from a more experienced, senior member of staff from a global majority background. 

• Reflect on your own career progress and discuss your problems in a confidential environment with someone from another institution. Develop your goals more quickly and effectively by being paired with a senior colleague. 
• Engage in open, confidential, and respectful dialogue about the cultural challenges and any barriers for progression your mentor may have faced. Gain an understanding of different processes, structures and challenges being faced within another institution. 

Networking sessions hosted by London Higher also offer you the chance to: 

• Network with other professionals from global majority backgrounds working in institutions across the capital. 

• Hear from a wide range of exciting speakers and engage in discussion on topics relevant to those working in London HE.  

What does the GMMP offer? 

1:1 Mentoring Sessions  

Mentees will have a minimum of four 1:1 mentoring sessions with their mentor. These sessions are to be arranged by participants in their pairs through PushFar – mentees and mentors can choose to meet online or in person. We anticipate that each session will last for a minimum of 45-60 minutes. 

Networking Sessions  

London Higher will facilitate the opportunity for participants to network with other Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals from institutions across the capital, and will run events with invited speakers throughout the programme’s duration.  

The format of these sessions is mixed – some will be online, and some will take place in person. Further details regarding dates and content of these events will be announced in due course.  

Learning Leaders – a leadership development workshop series for mentees 

Co-designed and co-led by London Higher, the University of Westminster, and 101 Dimensions, ‘Learning Leaders’ is an innovative leadership development workshop series that provides mentees with a safe and reflective space to think critically about their own leadership qualities. These optional, in-person workshops aim to meet the Programme’s ‘career progression’ objective, by empowering and upskilling mentees to move upwards in their career trajectory. 

This is an optional element of the GMMP, and mentees will be required to submit a separate expression of interest in Spring 2024. Full details for these sessions will be confirmed to successful applicants in advance of the sessions. 

What is expected of mentees on the GMMP? 

In order to take full advantage of the opportunity on offer, you will need to: 

• Be proactive in organising 1:1 mentoring sessions with your mentor. Be in control of the content of the agenda for these sessions. 
• Be prepared to be challenged as well as supported by your mentor. 
• Be committed – you are expected to attend all scheduled sessions as part of the programme. 
• Be open and honest.  
• Be professional.  

PushFar mentoring platform 

We will facilitate this programme through the online mentoring platform, PushFar. The majority of announcements, event sign-ups, discussion forms will be on here.

Indicative programme timeline   

How do I apply? 

You must express interest to your institutional point of contact. Applicants will then receive a link to the PushFar sign-up form, where you will be required to fill in your profile. These should be completed by 17:00, Thursday 30 November 2023. If you do not know who your institution’s point of contact is, please contact Mentoring at London Higher (mentoring@londonhigher.ac.uk). 

How will I be matched to a mentor? 

Mentees will be matched to mentors based on their backgrounds, career pathways, appropriate level of seniority, areas for development that the mentee has suggested and other relevant information that is provided to us through your mentee sign-up form. Please note that as we strive to match participants based on best fit, you may not be successful for this round of the Global Majority Mentoring Programme. 

When will I find out if I’ve been matched? 

London Higher and Minerva will undertake the matching process after the application window has closed. Please be aware that as participants are matched on best fit, we cannot guarantee that you will receive a place on the programme. If you are successful, you will receive an email from Pushfar notifying you that you have been matched by Friday 15 December 2023. 

When you receive details of your pairing, we encourage you to set up an initial conversation, so that pairs have met each other (online or in person) before the programme launch event in mid-late January. 

Who should I contact if I have any questions? 

If you have any questions or would like further information about this programme, the application process or clarification on your institutional point of contact, please contact Darren de Souza (mentoring@londonhigher.ac.uk).  

Video from a GMMP information session on 22 November 2022

https://vimeo.com/777583218

Testimonials