Applications are now open for the Eastern Arc Mentoring Scheme 2025/26.

This opportunity is available to researchers, academics, technicians and professional services staff at the four Eastern Arc universities: East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex.

Since its launch in 2020, more than 300 people have taken part in this scheme, which allows participants the chance to gain an objective view of their career, address challenges and explore new opportunities with support from those in the same sector. It also gives colleagues a moment to look beyond the politics and personalities of their own immediate department or institution, while working creatively with peers from across the Eastern Arc Consortium.

The feedback so far has been exceptional, with previous participants saying that it was ‘a really valuable experience,’ which had ‘helped me immensely’, facilitating ‘more free-thinking and openness’, and which ‘pushed me to be my best self and be bold!’

For many it was ‘useful to know that I was not alone and the feelings and concerns I had were valid’, and that there was an equitability in the experience for both mentee and mentor: ‘the learning and sharing and partly mental health support has been two-way.’

For some, the experience has played a big part in furthering their career:

‘The scheme definitely met my expectations and even exceeded them. My mentor was able to offer a different perspective on the issues and problems I was facing since she works at a different university – allowing me to take a step back and to see the bigger picture. She encouraged me to think about applying for my manager’s role when he left and there was a vacancy. Her wise counsel and support in this definitely played a part in me applying for and getting that promotion.’

Find out more and sign up to take part. The deadline for applying is 26 September 2025.

For specific questions about the scheme, please contact Eastern Arc Director Phil Ward: p.ward@kent.ac.uk

Note: In response to feedback, the scheme will shift to a new yearly cycle from 2026 onwards. Applications will open in April and the kick-off meeting will take place in September at the Eastern Arc Conference. This will give mentors and mentees more time to connect and plan meetings throughout the academic year.