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• Equality, diversity and inclusion:
• Strategy and annual reports
• BME attainment gap institutional KPI
• Race Equality Charter award
• Athena SWAN
• Academic progression and promotion
• Our inclusive curriculum
• Beyond Barriers mentoring opportunities
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Mentoring opportunities

Beyond Barriers Mentoring Scheme

At Kingston University we want to ensure that all of our students and staff have the best possible chance to succeed in their study or work. Our Beyond Barriers Mentoring Scheme is available for both staff and students and is just one of the strategies we are using to help the University make progress against its equality objectives and our One Kingston strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion (PDF).

Student scheme

Please note: the 2018-19 scheme is now closed for applications

We want all our students to complete their degree with the best possible results. We know that career prospects for students are greatly improved if they have the life skills needed to succeed in the workplace, know what will be expected of them and know how to meet these expectations. Our successful Beyond Barriers Mentoring Scheme for under-represented second-year, third-year and postgraduates is designed to give students the confidence and skills to gain that all important graduate job, to address the BME attainment gap and to help them to develop techniques to enhance their studies.

We actively seek professionals and entrepreneurs to offer invaluable support through one-to-one mentoring and help our students achieve their potential. Mentors can offer impartial advice, encourage new experiences and positive choices and help to inspire self-confidence. Our mentors have benefited enormously from taking part in the scheme on a professional level as well as the satisfaction gained from 'giving back'.

The scheme runs from November to May and only requires a commitment of two hours per month; this can be a combination of meeting in person, email and Skype. At the end of the scheme the Vice-Chancellor presents all participants with a certificate at a special award ceremony.

The Student Mentoring Scheme is available for second-year, third-year and postgraduate:

• Black and minority ethnic students
• Female science, engineering, technology, maths and the built environment students
• KU Cares students 
• LGBT+ students 
• Mature students
• Students with a learning difference or disability; and
• White males who are first in their family to attend higher education

Download information for:

• Mentors (PDF)
• Mentees (PDF)

For further information, please email beyondbarriers@kingston.ac.uk or call 020 8417 4038.

Staff mentoring

The Beyond Barriers scheme for BME staff and female staff is one of the strategies we are using to address the under-representation of these staff groups at senior grades.

Taking part in a mentoring scheme is beneficial to everyone involved, and can help to:

• maximise potential;
• increase confidence;
• political astuteness;
• understand power and influence;
• develop resilience; and
• improve self-awareness.

Download information about our staff mentoring scheme (PDF). For further information, please email beyondbarriers@kingston.ac.uk or call 020 8417 4038.