Starting Strong: A Programme for New Research Supervisors

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Thank you for your interest in Starting Strong: A Programme for New Research Supervisors, a structured programme for new and early-stage research supervisors.

This programme supports new supervisors in developing confidence, clarity, and practical skills for doctoral supervision. It focuses on supervisory practices, communication, expectations, and relationship-building, and is intended to complement (not replace) local institutional induction on policies, regulations, and administrative processes.

The programme comprises four 2-hour online sessions delivered weekly and is run in a cohort format, meaning participants progress together. Participants are expected to attend all four sessions, as each session builds on the previous one.

As part of this pilot, we will ask participants to provide brief feedback during and after the programme, and again 4-8 weeks later. This feedback will help us evaluate and refine the programme. All feedback will be anonymised, and participation in the research elements is voluntary.

Before completing this form, please ensure that you:

Have read the Participant Information Sheet
Are able to commit to attending all four sessions in your chosen cohort
Are willing to provide feedback as part of the evaluation

If you have any questions or need assistance completing the form, please contact rsvp-piloting@york.ac.uk.

Please note that applications close on Friday, 6th March 2026.

Email *

Name *

Role/Job Title *

Institution/University *

Faculty/School/College/Department *

What is your role in supervision? *

Primary/main supervisor

Co-supervisor/secondary supervisor

Member of a supervisory team

Informal/advisory role (e.g. day-to-day support, postdoc supporting a student)

Not currently supervising (but expecting to in next 6 months)

Other:

How long have you been supervising doctoral researchers? *

I haven't supervised any doctoral students

Less than 3 months

3-6 months

6-12 months

1-3 years

3+ years

How many doctoral researchers are you currently supervising? *

Can you confirm that you are either supervising a doctoral candidate for the first time or soon will be; have recently joined a supervisory team; are a co-supervisor or have an informal supervisory role within a supervisory team (e.g. postdoctoral and research staff, technicians and professional staff) *

Yes

Other:

How confident do you currently feel as a doctoral supervisor? *

Very confident

Moderately confident

Developing confidence

Low confidence

Other:

What are you hoping to gain from the programme?

What is your biggest supervision challenge currently?

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