Hallam Aspire
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Welcome to the Hallam Aspire Programme.
Introduction
Hallam Aspire is the institutions’ mentoring scheme designed to support our next generation of professors from groups that are currently under-represented* at professorial level at Sheffield Hallam.
Whilst the previous Aspire programmes were targeted specifically to support women, Hallam Aspire is now open to grade 8 or above academics who identify as one or more of the following: (a) from an ethnic minority background, (b) female and / or (c) have a disability.
The scheme supports our ambition to improve diversity and to support talent at all levels of the University. It is shaped around our Hallam Values of ‘Ambition, Innovation, Integrity, Inclusion and Collaboration’ and is reflected in the ‘Supporting our Development’ strand of the Hallam Deal.
Our UEB Sponsor is Dr Sally Jackson, Chief People Officer and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Diversity and Inclusion) who says “I’m proud to announce the launch of the new Hallam Aspire inclusive mentoring programme. Sheffield Hallam has a rich history of recognising and supporting talent as part of our Hallam Deal priorities. This new programme will help develop our next generation of professors, especially those from under-represented groups, as we continue on our journey to become a fully inclusive organisation, in line with our Hallam Values. I would like to thank our mentors for their commitment to supporting our aspiring professors and offer best wishes to our mentees as they progress along their professional development”.
Hallam Aspire aims to run two cohorts per year (June – December & January – June). The application process has opened for cohort 2, running January – June 2023.
If successful, you will be matched to a mentor and have opportunities to network and build your portfolio to help you achieve your goals. Previous scheme participants cited a positive impact on their career progression. Other benefits included an increase in personal confidence/self-efficacy, defining career trajectory priorities, and identifying opportunities/taking on responsibilities that are career enhancing.
*Whilst the University performs well compared to the rest of the sector in terms of the proportion of female vs. male professors (42% at Sheffield Hallam vs. 28% in the rest of the sector), the fact that women make up more than half of all Hallam academics means they remain under-represented at professorial level. In addition, research suggests that caring responsibilities (traditionally more likely to be carried out by women) may limit the quantity of academic outputs produced. There is evidence that the additional childcare pressures brought about by the Covid-19 lockdown may have further compounded these issues[1].
Of those who have declared their ethnicity, 12% of the University’s professors are from an ethnic minority background (roughly in line with the rest of the sector), compared to 14% of all academic colleagues.
6% of the University’s professors have declared a disability, compared to 7% of all academic colleagues.
How to apply
Expression of interest stage
We expect this programme to be highly competitive. To be considered to become a Hallam Aspire mentee, please complete the Expression of Interest Form and submit to Academic Development & Diversity by 20th November 2022. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Successful applicants will the be invited to provide a full application.
Please do have a provisional discussion with your line manager, Head of Department / Centre, or other appropriate senior leader about your intention to apply for Professorship or Associate Professorship during the academic year 2023/24. You will need them to write a statement of support to accompany your full application should your Expression of Interest is successful.
Selection Criteria: full application stage
Your application will also be judged against the following criteria:
- Priority will be given to candidates who are intending to apply for Professorship or Associate Professorship during the academic year 2023/24.
Please note, if you are intending to apply in the current academic year, (deadline for submission February 2023), please speak to your Head of Department or line manager to give feedback on your application.
There is an applicant workshop available for academics intending to apply in the 2022/23 round. This will take place on Wednesday 23rd November 2022. More information is available on the Applying for Professor or Associate Professor – applicant workshop website.
- Priority will be given to applicants who have not participated in previous formal mentoring schemes within Hallam e.g. Aspire, Leading into the Future and Aurora.
Mentor Information
The mentors who support the scheme include professors and emeritus professors, deans of colleges, heads of research centres and academic departments. Some have been established in their roles for many years; some are relatively new to their role and therefore are experiencing career trajectory challenges of their own. Some were Aspire participants and so have the experience of being a mentee. All believe in the benefits and impact mentoring can have on one’s career and are dedicated to helping others develop theirs.
Due to the diversity of our mentoring pool the application form (following the Expression of Interest process) requires you to describe your ‘ideal’ mentor in terms of their skills, experience, career path/history etc. This will assist in the mentor matching process, which will be conducted by members of the Chief People Officer portfolio, comprising of Academic Development & Diversity and HROD and other academic colleagues.
Next steps
The Hallam Aspire selection panel will review all applications. Should you be successful you will receive access to view the mentor profiles and be requested to select your ‘top three’ mentors. Where possible we will meet your preference, however this cannot be guaranteed.
Do note that your application form will be forwarded to your mentor so that they have an understanding of your aspirations and mentoring objectives. Further guidance and support will be given to you throughout the scheme – including an invitation to attend a mentee/mentor skills workshop prior to your first mentor meeting. We look forward to receiving your application. If you have any further queries, please contact Academic Development & Diversity.
| Last updated: 8th November 2022 NB |