We are looking for international staff members with lived experience of moving to the UK to volunteer as mentors for a new mentoring scheme providing support and guidance for settling into the community at the University of Bath.
What is the scheme?
The International Staff Network, in combination with the The Culture & Inclusion Team, are sponsoring the creation of a new pilot mentorship scheme. All new international staff starters will be offered the opportunity to be matched with a mentor to help them to settle into life in the UK.
The initial programme will take place from the start of the academic year 2025/26. Depending on your probationary period, mentoring partnerships will last until the end of probation for professional services staff (6 months) and until the end of year 1 for academic staff.
What is the purpose of the scheme?
In line with the University’s global ambitions and strategic driver to support our international community, this initiative will help staff coming to the UK to feel welcomed and part of a community. Having the opportunity to be mentored by someone with a similar lived experience will allow new starters to build connections, share knowledge and tips and foster a sense of belonging as valued members of our university community.
We have heard directly from our International Staff Network about the importance of providing an opportunity for our international staff to have a point of contact when adjusting to life in the UK. This includes supporting with a range of topics from Visas and immigration, language barriers and cultural differences to understanding how the University works and what support is available.
Why become a mentor?
“Starting a new job in a different country can be a challenging transition—and that’s where you can make a real impact. By volunteering as a mentor for international staff at the University of Bath, you can offer invaluable support based on your own experience. Whether it’s helping someone navigate the UK academic system, understand local work culture, or simply pointing them to the best spot for coffee, your insight can make their journey smoother and more welcoming. Mentoring isn’t just beneficial for the mentee—it’s a chance for you to develop your own leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive university community. Step forward, share your experience, and help someone feel at home.”
Dr Sadegh Javaheriafif (Co-Chair of International Staff Network)
As a mentor, you will be able to:
- develop skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving and listening.
- give back by helping someone else who is on a similar journey which you have taken.
- build relationships and expand your professional network.
- broaden your perspective by mentoring someone from a different background or with different experiences.
How can I get involved?
We are looking for international members of staff who have lived experience of moving to the UK to volunteer as mentors. You will be matched with potential mentees based on a range of criteria shared at the application stage. You do not have to be experienced in mentoring to apply. The International Staff Network Chairs, along with the Culture and Inclusion team, will provide guidance and support. Any international member of staff, with lived experience of moving to the UK, can sign up to become a mentor, regardless of experience or seniority.
What happens once I volunteer to become a mentor?
Once you have signed up, you will be:
- matched with a mentee.
- asked to read our mentoring handbook.
- asked to agree to a code of conduct.
We would suggest that you meet with your mentee on average once a month and that you agree between you how best to organise this, whether in-person or virtually. Ongoing support will be available from the Culture & Inclusion Team and the International Staff Network for the duration of the pilot scheme.
Next Steps
Volunteer now to become a mentor! If you would like to volunteer, please complete this form.
The deadline to apply to be a mentor is Friday 13th June.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact diversity@bath.ac.uk
If you are a new member of staff and are interested in being mentored, please do also get in touch.