Mentorship Scheme at Surrey & Borders NHS Foundation Trust

AIMS: To establish a mentorship programme for all grade of Psychiatrists working within Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust. METHODS: RSPsych guidance was used to establish a mentoring programme within Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust. A core leadership team was identified and established, this included the Director of Medical Education, a Higher Specialist Trainee, and a Core Trainee. The decision was made to structure the programme to involve all grades of doctor within the trust, with pairing of Mentor and Mentees tailored to mentee needs. Support from the core team will also be offered to both Mentees and Mentors on a regular and drop in basis, as well as support groups for each group. The programme was then advertised using a trust email list and training days were held via Microsoft Teams and delivered by the West Midland Mentoring Team RCPsych. The programme is due to launch in February 2023 with expected widespread engagement, followed by evaluation survey. RESULTS: We received a good response from all grades of doctors targeted in the Mentorship Scheme. Following this a prelaunch meeting, facilitated by the core leadership team, was organised for all those involved in the scheme. This meeting outlined the aims of the scheme and support available to both Mentors and Mentees. The Mentors and Mentees have now been paired and the scheme will be launching in February 2023. CONCLUSION: Burnout is a significant and highly prevalent phenomenon within the Psychiatric community. Mentorship is shown to reduce rates of burnout as well as improving staff well-being, productivity and retention. Following RCPsych guidance this project aims to establish a mentorship programme for all psychiatrists within the Surrey and Borders NHS Trust. The Surrey & Borders Mentorship Scheme will launch in February 2023.