The Internal Communications Team runs a Buddy Scheme that connects communications colleagues from across ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, helping to build networks, reduce isolation and encourage informal knowledge-sharing.
The Buddy Scheme is currently open. by Friday 6 November to take part in this round of matching.
We plan to keep the scheme open all year around for new starters, colleagues who have recently moved into communications roles, and anyone who would like to take part again and meet someone new. We will match colleagues together every six months.
How it works
- Complete the sign-up form and tell us what kind of connection you are looking for, what you would like to gain from the scheme, and any skills or experience you can share.
- We will match you with a communications colleague based on your responses.
- Once matched, you and your buddy can decide how you would like to stay in touch, whether through regular meetings, occasional catch-ups, or ad hoc conversations via Teams or email.
We will contact participants with the details of their buddy after the sign-up period has closed.
What to expect
The scheme is designed to be informal and flexible. There is no central administration beyond the matching process, and participants are responsible for arranging and managing their own meetings and conversations.
In the sign-up form we will ask you what you want to get out of the Buddy Scheme. There's a full list within the form, but this might be:
- Learning more about working in a higher education environment
- Supporting your transition into a new communications role
- Building a broader professional network across the university
- Having a regular informal sounding board
- Mentoring or supporting a colleague while learning from them
The Internal Communications Team will be available to help if any issues arise or if you would like to be matched with a different buddy.
You may have joined the scheme when we launched it a couple of years ago, you're welcome to apply again for another buddy!