Here at IGNITE Network+ we are pleased to update that our bespoke pilot mentoring programme, that utilises an action learning approach is now coming to the end.  We will be accepting applications for 2025 very soon, please keep a look out for the call to participate in the next round!

Why mentoring?
In recognition of the barriers faced by individuals from marginalised groups, who are disproportionately underrepresented within energy research (among other sectors), IGNITE Network+ aims to support our network members by raising their profiles as part of a community. Mentoring is a common approach to enable individuals at different career stages to understand a range of lived experiences, while sharing tips and tricks to help navigate a research career, whether in academia or industry. Supported by Inclusive Futures, we have opted to make use of mentoring circles, where members of each circle will be joined by a facilitator to form an action learning group.

So, what is different about action learning, and why have mentoring circles?
Mentoring circles allow participants to combine their knowledge and experience to learn and develop together, on the basis that everyone has something valuable to share and each individual can learn from the others. Action learning is defined as a "continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues, with an intention of getting things done" (McGill and Beaty, 2013) and follow the steps described by Kolb’s experiential learning cycle to enable participants to have agency in their roles and take definitive action, through reflective observation and active experimentation.

My personal experience of action learning
I first experienced action learning when I participated in the Elevate leadership programme in 2023, where I was part of a cohort of 30 women of colour working in academic and professional services roles at the universities of Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Cardiff, and the West of England. The programme enabled me to build connections with other women of colour as well as to develop and understand my leadership style through the process of action learning. I hope that we can support our members to thrive in their roles and reach for that next step too.

Watch this space!

To find out more about the IGNITE mentoring programme, please have a look at the web page mentoring (ignitenetplus.ac.uk) and join the network to be updated when the 2025 programme launches.