Warwick Alumni Mentoring Code of Conduct

Good practice for all parties

Behave respectfully, professionally, ethically and legally at all times and within relevant boundaries e.g. cultural, social. Discussion of these boundaries should occur at the first meeting of mentor and mentee, to ensure all parties are aware of any requirements needed e.g. use methods of contact that all parties feel are appropriate and they are comfortable using and ensure that contact is made at suitable times of the day and days of the week.

We encourage both parties to read the mentoring guidance, which can be found on the mentoring homepage on our community platform, Warwickgrad:

 Help guides - Warwickgrad

Content of conversations

Conversations should maintain clear professional boundaries. They might focus on professional guidance, industry insights, personal development or academic support. Mentors can direct mentees to job opportunities, but mentorships should not be used by a mentor as a recruitment channel or by a mentee to make personal requests of the mentor for paid or unpaid employment.

Mentor’s advice and guidance

Mentees should use their own personal judgement when considering the mentor’s advice, and it is the mentee’s responsibility to assess the professionalism and credentials of the mentor.

Confidentiality

Do not disclose any personal information that is discussed during mentoring meetings unless otherwise agreed. We advise maintaining contact via the Warwickgrad platform messaging functionality or via e-mail and would advise against the use of personal mobile phone numbers where possible.

Meeting locations

Whilst the nature of the mentorships should be agreed between a mentee and mentor, most mentorships tend to occur online. Meeting online is often the most convenient and affordable option. Where it is mutually agreeable to meet in person, we recommend meeting in a public space. Never meet at a home address or somewhere where either party feels vulnerable or uneasy. If a meeting occurs at a mentor’s workplace, the mentor must review and follow their employer’s safeguarding policies, ensuring the environment is safe, professional, and compliant with all relevant procedures.

Reporting concerns

If any party feels uncomfortable or unsafe during mentorship, or has any safeguarding concerns, contact the Development and Alumni Engagement Office as soon as possible:

Signposts to further support, guidance and resources can be found at the end of this document.

Conversations through Warwickgrad can be reported and reviewed by the Development and Alumni Engagement Office. Should you take your conversations to another platform, meet virtually or in person, this will not be monitored. We strongly recommend that you begin your mentoring relationship through Warwickgrad’s messaging facility.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct: Any breach of this Code of Conduct will have consequences. This may include removal from the mentoring programme, removal from Warwickgrad, disciplinary measures from the University of Warwick, and reporting to relevant third parties.

Dignity principles

Our Dignity Principles at the University of Warwick

The University of Warwick follows a set of dignity principles that set out how we behave as a community and inform our approach to taking appropriate action when these expectations are not met. These principles facilitate an environment with the ability to voice ideas at its core, a place where everyone operates with mutual respect, with the confidence that equality of opportunity is accessible to all.

Further support and guidance

To report a concern or misconduct in relation to the Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme, please email