'Back on Track' coach will be in touch with you to arrange a mutally agreeable set of times to hold the sessions.
The 'Back on Track' programme, through five one-to-one coaching sessions, helps research students to get 'back on track' after what has been a disruptive time working on PhD projects.
The 'Back on Track' coaching programme provides a motivational intervention for researchers trying to find ways of working as we deal with emerging from lockdown in what is still an ongoing pandemic. It focuses on finding ways to work that are specific and person-orientated to get back on track in the present moment.
The 'Back on Track' programme, through five one-to-one coaching sessions, helps research students to get 'back on track' with research work. The programme aims to help establish work-life patterns that are healthy, realistic, balanced and productive within the limitations of current circumstances which for many are still conditioned and limited by the disruptions we have experienced.
The programme consists of five one-to-one coaching sessions; researchers receive full notes of the session discussions highlighting their reflections, agreed actions for the following week, and links to any useful resources and contacts. Sessions are also a space where the researchers can share concerns and worries, and provide an opportunity for signposting to additional services whether they relate to wellbeing, social connection or academic support.
The sessions are a supportive space in which the coach and researcher would agree weekly aims to get 'back on track' with research or writing or wellbeing. The coach and researcher co-create the coaching agenda around a rough structure, informed by general sector research and a pre-programme questionnaire.
Benefits of 'Back on Track' mentoring programme for researchers:
Regular contact - space to discuss their issues, feel connected, and reduce isolation.
Planning and Organisational support – creating space to think realistically about how progress and obtaining research/life balance
Linking with Services and Building Networks - Signposting to services and networks of support.
Wellbeing focused - It takes a holistic approach, and there is a chance to discuss all aspects that constitute the life of a researcher (family life, work-life, academic life, social life, health)
Confidence building – The sessions will focus on documenting progress made and potential, as well as planning and management.
Sharing Good Practice - It will develop ways of tracking progress that the researcher can use and share best practice and techniques that others have found helpful
Safe - Provided either online via video call or phone call so COVID-safe
What 'Back on Track Coaching is not:
Aiming to put undue to pressure on research students who are not coping
An assessment of research student progress or to be used as a review of their work or progress
Academic support for specialist subject areas or research adjustments
It is not counselling, nor is it meant to replace professional help for mental health issues