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26 Aug 2026

Applications now open for Manchester Gold mentoring

Image of two colleagues talking

Manchester Gold, the University's flagship mentoring scheme, is now open for applications from both mentors and mentees.

Led by the Talent Development Team, the scheme connects colleagues from across the University, creating opportunities to share experience, develop new skills and support one another's professional growth.

Supporting colleagues to build their careers at Manchester is one of the ⁠key action themes identified through our latest colleague engagement survey. While 47% of colleagues told us their career aspirations are currently being met, we're taking action to improve opportunities for development and progression. Manchester Gold is one of the ways we're responding, connecting colleagues through mentoring, new networks and shared learning to support their professional growth.

Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Matching will take place in October, with mentoring partnerships running from November 2026 to August 2027.

Sonal Patel, Director of Talent Development, said: ‘Manchester Gold is about more than mentoring; it is about strengthening our University community. By learning from one another, we create a culture that thrives on openness, collaboration and shared success.’

Apply to be a Mentor

As a Manchester Gold Mentor, you'll have the opportunity to support a colleague’s professional growth, share your experience, and develop your own mentoring skills. We welcome applications from Mentors from all grades and from all types of roles. Your experience and areas of expertise will be valuable to our Mentees, and there is full training and support for those new to mentoring.  

Apply to be a Mentee

Colleagues join the scheme seeking mentorship in various areas, including career direction, promotion support, leadership development, project management, communication skills, grant applications, research income, evidencing teaching excellence, confidence building and more. Apply to be a Mentee and we will aim to match you with a Mentor that can support you with your goals, and you will have the support of the wider Manchester Gold network!  

More Information