The Reverse Mentoring Programme officially launched in the Autumn Term 2021/22 in partnership with the LGBT+ Staff Community. The scheme allows for member of the LGBT+ Staff Community to meet with a senior colleague and have regular dialogue around diversity issues in the workplace and discuss future goals of the organisation in a safe and confidential environment.
Dr Panagiotis Pentaris, Associate Professor of Social Work and Thanatology, from the School of Human Sciences said:
The reverse mentoring programme has truly helped both my mentee and I to connect better with the university’s culture. Such initiatives are important to help bridge gaps between members of staff, while they enable inclusion in the practices and thinking of the institution. I have benefited much from this programme and it's helped me appreciate the ways in which inclusivity is negotiated in the university.
The programme aims not only to create action but also raise awareness with each pair deciding on what their focus will be. So far, the programme has provided some tangible outcomes with proposals being drafted around pertinent themes that have emerged. While others have taken a more informal approach to share their lived experience with their mentee.
Charlie Tennant, Head of Business Operations, Greenwich Business School said:
The reverse mentoring programme has helped me develop not only my own mentoring skills, but also supported my mentee’s understanding of some of the issues facing my community. I’m proud to have worked with them on some meaningful proposals that will have an impact for LGBTQ+ staff and their line managers.
Striving to achieve and deliver sector leading Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives remains at the heart of everything we do at Greenwich. We hope the programme will continue to influence meaningful understanding of the lived experience of our staff community, promote a supportive environment and aid the development of both our senior colleagues and members of our LGBT+ Staff Community.
If you have any questions about the reverse mentoring programme, please contact Sian Atkins.
