The Intermediate Supervisor Development Award is designed to support research supervisors to develop their practice as they progress their supervision activity. It provides an opportunity for Sheffield Hallam supervisors to connect with a cross-University community of practice.

To achieve the Award requires completion of three sessions: Managing Relationships; Supporting Research and Writing; Monitoring Progress, Pastoral Support and Continuous Professional Development.

Please note, this cross-university development programme replaces the Supervisor Passport initiative. It forms part of a central three-pronged supervisor development offer delivered by the Doctoral School alongside the Doctoral Supervisor Development Course (aimed at supervisors new to research supervision at Sheffield Hallam) and UKCGE research supervisor recognition application support (offering opportunities for good supervisory practice to be recognised through peer-review and a national award). The three-pronged offer enables supervisors to select the most appropriate level of training to meet their needs, rather than having to work through the different ‘levels’, in turn.

Session 1: Managing Relationships

This session explores building and managing relationships between candidates and supervisors and between the supervisory team. We will be covering areas such as:

· Understanding the diversity of the student population and its implications for supervision
· How to set expectations
· Understand different supervisory styles
· Recognise the changing needs of students throughout their doctoral journey
· Managing supervisory teams
· Understanding institutional regulations and the support systems available

Session 2: Supporting Research and Writing

This session focuses on the various approaches that may be employed to support candidates to research, write and publish throughout their doctoral journey. In addition, understand the importance of providing meaningful feedback and support. The themes covered in this session will include:

· Discussing conceptions and misconceptions of research
· Considering issues of academic integrity, intellectual property, co-publications
· Finalising and developing research topics, methodologies, proposals and ethics
· Advising on skills development and understanding the available support systems within the University for Doctoral students.
· How to provide constructive and actionable feedback
· Modelling the process of publication
· Establishing a post-doctoral dissemination plan

Session 3: Monitoring Progress, Pastoral Support and Continuous Professional Development

This session explores the wider skills and responsibilities of doctoral supervisors. These include acting as a mentor, supporting career aspirations and being a good role model. Areas covered in this session will include:

· Keeping students motivated
· Managing the progress of students
· Supporting candidates with personal issues, well-being, work-life balance etc.
· Understanding University Support Structures and Policies
· Providing career guidance and support

If you are interested in completing the Intermediate Supervisor Development Award please complete the Expression of Interest form and a member of the Researcher and Innovator Development Academy (RIDA) team will be in touch with more information. Please note the sessions above are for in person delivery on campus only, you can preregister your interest in online delivery via the Expression of Interest form. Please also note it is possible to opt to attend individual sessions as appropriate but the Intermediate Supervisor Development award will only be achieved upon successful completion of all three sessions (these can be a mix of in person or online delivery).

Please click to join the Research Supervisor Network MS Team.