All DTP student have access to the full range of student support and wellbeing services on offer at the DTP universities, and the Nottingham BBSRC DTP is very proud to be able to offer our postgraduate researchers (PGRs) the very best support throughout their time on the programme.
Dedicated Welfare Officers
We have a dedicated Welfare and EDI Officer who works specifically with PGRs on the DTP, with specialism in supporting our PGRs, and a strong understanding of PhD study so they will always tailor support recommendations to meet your specific needs. Some of the support they are able to offer is detailed below:
Pre-arrival Support
All new PGRs joining the DTP programme will have the opportunity to have a 121 meeting with our Welfare Officer prior to the start of their studies with us - usually in August or early September. This is a chance to get to know each other, and is a useful point to raise any concerns whether they relate to your health and wellbeing, personal circumstances, disability support or just finding out where to park on induction day.
Peer Mentoring
Our Welfare Officer coordinates a peer mentoring programme for all new postgraduate researchers on the DTP. You will be matched with a current DTP student in their second year or above, and they will be happy to meet with you to discuss anything DTP or PhD-related.
121 Welfare Support and Drop Ins
You will be able to access 121 support from our Welfare Officer whenever you need it. They run regular drop in sessions, both online and in person across our campuses, and are always able to organise 121 meetings as needed outside of these sessions as well.
Personalised Support
Our Welfare Officer is able to offer you personalised support when you need it - whether it's helping to identify reasonable adjustments to ensure you get the most out of your DTP experience, advising on sick leave or parental leave or just providing a listening ear if things are challenging. They are able to refer PGRs to the counselling service and liaise with support provision across the universities and partner organisations of the DTP.
Welfare-focussed Training for Postgraduate Researchers and Supervisors
The DTP expects all of its supervisors to undertake a training session in Mental Health Awareness for PGR Supervisors, which is run by our Welfare Officers in collaboration with mental health specialists at the University of Nottingham. Our PGRs are able to access Mind Matters training, a course focussing on wellbeing which has been specifically designed with PGRs in mind.
Support Throughout the Programme
Even if you don't need support at the beginning of the programme, our Welfare Officer is there for you whenever you do. They will meet with you before you go on your placement for a check-in, and they coordinate a programme of career coaching for our final year PGRs to ensure that you have you are supported throughout the whole of your PhD journey.