Union programme seeks economist mentors

The FDA and the Government Economic Service (GES) have been working with Coventry University to develop a mentoring programme for undergraduates who may be interested in applying for GES graduate entry.

The purpose of the programme, which will run to October 2012, is to maximise development opportunities for assistant economists and those on the economists' fast stream by offering an opportunity to act as mentors to economics undergraduates at Coventry University. The pilot will also contribute to enhancing the diversity of the GES intake.

The FDA is seeking further mentors to take part in the programme. Mentors will attend a face-to-face half-day training event at Coventry University on Friday 20 January 2012. The course will start at either 9.30am or 10.00am and mentors will be matched with a mentee. The minimum commitment from mentor and mentee would be ten hours in total over the period of ten months until October 2012 and mentoring would be through a variety of media - including distance mentoring.

As participation in this scheme is related to civil servants' employment, you should ensure that you are familiar with the requirements of the Civil Service Code (www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/values) and any departmental requirements before participating.

After discussing with your line manager, if you are interested in becoming a mentor, or for further information or for a quick chat about the programme, please contact Sean Ruddy at sean@fda.org.uk.