Cross-institutional peer support programme for neurodivergent early career researchers  

In 2025, we are launching a new cross-institutional peer support programme for Early Career Researchers (ERCs), at the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter, who identify as neurodivergent. Based on the success of similar programmes for postgraduate researchers, this pilot activity expands the GW4 Connect initiative, a suite of EDI activities developed by the GW4 Alliance, to recognise the unique challenges facing ECRs. 

While the higher education sector has become more aware of neurodiversity, ECRs often navigate systems that may unintentionally affect their success. These barriers can arise from attitudes, workplace culture, environmental factors, policies, and processes.  Support for neurodivergent early-career researchers can be inconsistent, and many do not get the support they need to flourish.  

This neurodiversity-affirming programme will allow ECRs to share experiences and build informal networks for support that will carry beyond the programme.  You will have the opportunity to engage with peers and have open conversations about neurodiversity, research culture and academia outside institutional structures.  

You are not expected to arrive with answers but to explore with peers the challenges and commonalities of working as a neurodivergent ERC.  These discussions will be confidential unless the group decides to share learning.  

About the programme 

This innovative programme offers a safe space to consider the challenges of balancing work, research, and daily life and develop meaningful strategies to deal with them. Through workshops, peer-mentoring and neurodiversity-informed coaching you will be supported to identify your strengths, share strategies and co-create solutions. 

The programme aims to help you:

• Connect with peers to share experiences and gain support 
• Develop and share useful workplace strategies 
• Recognise and articulate your unique strengths  
• Set meaningful career goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. 
• Enhance your understanding of neurodiversity and workplace inclusion,  
• Understand the legal frameworks that address discrimination and sources of support. 
• Develop advocacy skills to empower you and help create greater awareness of neurodiversity. 

Joanna Hurry co-designed and will facilitate the programme. Joanna is a specialist in neurodiversity and employment and an experienced coach and trainer. She has advised and collaborated with the National Autistic Society on employment projects.  Joanna is neurodivergent. She will create a safe space to explore issues that the group faces collectively. Coaching is non-directive, and Joanna will encourage personal exploration, greater self-awareness and active problem-solving.

Programme Structure

The ten-month programme starts in June 2025 for up to 16 participants and is designed for different learning and interaction styles. It includes: 

• Three in-person workshops (one full-day introductory workshop and 2 half-day workshops); 
• Six online facilitated peer mentoring sessions (1.5 hours each) ;
• Two 1:1 coaching sessions (one pre-programme– contracting session and one during the programme) .

GW4 Connect will create systems of support that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. We will provide a transformative experience that creates strong bonds between participants, aiming to promote the development of informal networks and information exchange for ECRs that identify as neurodivergent.  

Time commitment and Eligibility 

Potential participants will need to commit to:  

• Attend two 1:1 coaching sessions: 
  • Contracting session (June 2025) 
  • Coaching session (Offered throughout programme)  
• Attend three in-person workshops: 
  • A half-day introductory workshop (9 July 2025)
  • A full-day mid programme workshop (25 November 2025) 
  • A half-day final learning and reflection workshop (25 March 2026) 
• Attend six, 1.5 hour, online facilitated peer mentoring sessions:
  • Session 1 (11 September 2025) 
  • Session 2 (7 October 2025) 
  • Session 3 (5 November 2025) 
  • Session 4 (15 January 2026) 
  • Session 5 (11 February 2026) 
  • Session 6 (3 March 2026) 

Although the dates for the online sessions are set, we will work to find the best, mutually agreed time of day to hold the sessions. Contracting sessions and coaching sessions will be agreed between Joanna and the participant.  

For those without institutional funding, reasonable travel and accommodation will be provided to attend the in-person activities, and additional support can be provided for a carer or support assistant if required. 

Every effort is made to make the programme accessible. Please contact us if you have access requirements. 

Finally, we realise that childcare may impact your availability to join in-person sessions, which we do not want to be a barrier to participation. Please come speak to us about your childcare needs, as we are keen to offer funded options that will suit your situation.  

To be eligible, you will be:  

• An Early Career Researcher (Postdoc, recently appointed lecturer) at a GW4 university. PhD-in-hand is expected, but equivalent experience will be considered.
• Agree to participate in all elements of the programme.  
• Have the approval of your line manager to engage with the programme in full.*
• Please note that you do NOT require a formal diagnosis to apply to the programme. 

* While we encourage you to speak with your line manager about your participation in this programme, if you feel unable to do so, please contact the GW4 Talent and Skills Team so that we can discuss possible alternatives.

How to apply 

Deadline for applications is 12pm, Wednesday, 2 April 2025, which can be completed here. The application is an online JISC survey. If you need another method of completing the application form, please email the GW4 Talent and Skills Team at the address below and we will work with you to address your needs. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of professional service leads from GW4 universities to select participants. 

If you have any questions about the programme, your eligibility, or how to apply, please feel free to contact the GW4 Talent and Skills Team (talentandskills@gw4.ac.uk).