Edinburgh cares staff mentoring programme

The University of Edinburgh is a corporate parent, and as such has legislative duties to support care-experienced people make the most of their time at university. Our vision is that each of our care-experienced and estranged students flourish during their time at The University of Edinburgh. We want them to feel part of the University community, and supported to participate fully in University life. We believe having a mentor is vital to this approach as it provides a relationship-based support at the crucial point of transition.

The mentoring relationship focuses upon supporting the student to engage with the wider University, academically and non-academically. It focuses upon the four main strands of educational mentoring: academic, social, financial and personal, signposting to relevant support services within the University. Mentors commit to working with their student for at least one academic year, although mentors and mentees are encouraged to continue with the programme for the duration of a mentee’s degree.

Mentors should be able to commit approximately one hour every two weeks to meet their mentee. The Mentoring Programme Coordinator will support mentors for the duration of the programme, providing training, monthly check-ins, ongoing and/or ad hoc advice and guidance, and opportunities for peer learning with other mentors.

The Edinburgh Cares Staff Mentoring Programme is offered to all new care experienced and estranged students, and the programme is planning to expand its offering to continuing students in the future. Both professional and academic staff are welcome to express interest in becoming mentors. In addition to training, the Coordinator conducts careful selection to make sure mentors have appropriate experience and skills to support care experienced or estranged students.