BES Facebook groupThe BES Mentoring Scheme
In 2007, members of the BES were asked, via a survey conducted at the BES Annual Meeting, about their perceptions of women’s career progression in ecology. This revealed that, as in other sciences, there are issues around the representation of women in senior academic positions. All respondents to the 2007 survey recognised a gender imbalance in ecology at senior levels and 68% were in favour of “affirmative action” to address this (Gender in Ecology, Bulletin 38:4, 51-62).
The BES recognises that encouraging women to remain in ecological careers, all the way to the top, is Society business. One of our high level strategic aims is to “Develop ecological science and scientists”, through creating and fostering the next generation of ecologists. We believe that better retention of women in ecology will lead to the creation of a more diverse, stimulating and talented research community, in an inclusive and positive working environment.
Why mentoring?
The benefits of participation in a mentorship scheme, for both mentors and mentees, are summarised by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in the Mentoring Good Practice Guide:
“Mentoring provides a safe, confidential environment for women in SET to explore work, career and sometimes personal issues. This gives both parties the opportunity to compare notes and gain reassurance that they share similar experiences. Women in SET who are mentored report increased confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Mentoring can provide women with a role model if she is given a more senior female mentor.”
“Mentoring also benefits the mentors. They can develop capabilities in developing others outside of their own department or team and also have the satisfaction of seeing another person develop and grow.”
Senior women questioned by the Society highlighted the importance of mentoring to their own career development: “It is important to be mentored by someone who knows the system, who has succeeded, so you can get more practical advice on how to progress in your career”. Members of the BES also highlighted the importance of mentoring in their response to the 2007 survey.
A pilot project in 2009
Taking on board comments from the survey that “the BES itself could be more proactive in promoting the role of women”, and recognising the importance of equality and diversity in science, the BES ran a pilot project in 2009, matching those women at an early stage in their career with senior women from amongst the membership. Feedback from participants has been very positive and we hope to run the scheme again in 2010. A decision will be made before the end of this year.
Our partner: the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET
The scheme was facilitated by the UK Resource Centre for women in SET. It is the UK Government’s lead organisation for the provision of advice on the under-representation of women in SET. The UKRC have set up and run many other successful mentorship schemes for corporate partners and other learned societies. Here you can see details of the successful schemes the UKRC has facilitated at the Geological Society and British Pharmacological Society.
Commitment - 2010 Scheme
Involvement in the scheme should take up very little of members' time: all necessary support and resources will be provided by the BES and the UKRC for Women.
- There will be an initial one-day training event in London on 24th March 2010, in which mentors and mentees will meet for the first time and be given information on how to ensure that the needs of both mentors and mentees are met through the mentoring relationship.
Nb. If you are unable to make the 24th March date, do not be put off from applying: the UKRC may be able to deliver your training separately.
- Following this, mentors and mentees will be encouraged to speak on the telephone, to e-mail and to meet face-to-face, as little or as often as suits them both.
How to apply
Applications for the BES Mentorship Scheme in 2010 have now closed. Information about the 2011 scheme will appear on this page later this year.
Picture credit: Adam Seward, BES Photographic Competition entrant, 2007
