Date: Half-day session – 10am-midday May 5th or May 6th, 2026
Location: Online

We’re offering peer-to-peer mentoring workshops as a way for our community members to link with one another and share advice and support. There is no expectation of prior or future obligations!

We will aim to put individuals in sessions with members from the respective special interest groups, to ensure maximum benefit. The online sessions will run for two hours each on either May 5th or 6th.

Please email ukras-steps@leeds.ac.uk to register your interest.

Why Attend?

Mentoring is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to develop talent and foster growth within organisations. It is a supportive process where a more experienced individual offers guidance, advice, and encouragement to another. Unlike formal training, mentoring relationships are often informal and do not require extensive preparation to begin.

Benefits:

• Skills and knowledge development
• Career progression
• Increased confidence
• Expanded professional networks
• Personal growth
• Professional development
• Enhanced role satisfaction
• Broader understanding of the sector

What to Expect

This interactive session will introduce the concept of mentoring, explore its benefits, and provide a practical framework for conducting effective mentoring conversations.

Session Outline:

• What is Mentoring and how does it differ from other techniques?
• Contracting, Ground Rules, and Safety
• Effective Listening
• Building Rapport
• Mentoring Models
• Practice

Who Should Attend?
Any Research Technical Professional working in Robotics & Autonomous Systems in a UK HEI or RTO.