Welcoming and supporting new research staff

21 Aug 2025

As we head into a new academic year, the Researcher Development team is here to help researchers and their supervisors get off to a strong start.

Whether you're new to Manchester or supporting someone who is, our Researcher Development Team provides a range of tailored opportunities to help researchers settle in, develop their skills, and plan their next steps.

Here’s how we support new research staff and their supervisors:

Research Staff Induction

New research staff are invited to join our online induction sessions, held four times a year. These cover:

• Key university services and support
• Professional development opportunities
• Tips for navigating the first year

It's a chance to ask questions and connect with others starting at the same time. Sign-up at: Research Staff Induction

Supervisor Development

We offer training and resources to help research supervisors support their teams. This includes:

• Workshops and online resources aligned with the UKCGE’s Good Supervisory Practice Framework
• Opportunities to gain UKCGE Recognised Associate Supervisor status

This is open to all staff involved in research supervision, including both academic and Professional Services staff.

Workshops include:

• Coaching Skills for PGR Supervisors (Parts 1 & 2): Learn a simple coaching model to help foster confidence and independence in your researchers.
• Coaching Skills for PGR Supervisors (Part 3): Build on prior coaching training with peer practice and deeper reflection.
• Discussion on PGR Supervision: A relaxed session for current and aspiring supervisors to ask questions, share insights, and explore common challenges.
• Having Career Conversations with PGRs: Practical tips to support your PGRs' development and signpost relevant resources.
• Inclusivity for PGR Supervisors: Learn how to create more equitable and supportive supervision environments.
• Cultivating Wellbeing for PGR Supervisors: Spot the early signs of wellbeing concerns and support your PGRs effectively.

UKCGE Recognition Support:

• Introduction & Getting Started
• Reflecting Upon and Enhancing Practice
• Clinic and Swap-Shop

UKCGE Recognition

We’re supporting staff to apply for UKCGE Supervisor Recognition — a nationally recognised marker of good supervisory practice.

If you'd like to find out more, check out the UKCGE applications guidance.

Further information

Questions? Get in touch with the Researcher Development team at:

• resdev@manchester.ac.uk.