Events CoP launches successful buddy scheme for 2022-23

The Events CoP brings together people working in events, for internal and external engagement, from across UCL to share knowledge and best practice. At present, the Events CoP is co-led by Senior Support Officer Valeria Farruggia, Student Projects Events Coordinator Emma Hughes, and Events Officer Sandy Brummitt.
 
The buddy scheme programme, led by Valeria and Emma, aims to broaden the network amongst events staff working in UCL’s central and faculty departments, to share best practices, offer support and informal mentoring. Staff have been paired according to their stated preference to be matched with a buddy who has either more experience, less experience, or equal experience. This means they will be able to either mentor, be mentored or share ideas about the events practice area. The scheme will be run over six months to give each pair an opportunity to create a safe space and connect.

The buddy scheme programme was first successfully run in 2020 and received overwhelmingly positive feedback; as a result, uptake has doubled this year.

At the launch event on 8 November, attendees networked and found out who their buddy would be. Thalia Anagnostopoulou presented on the benefits of reverse mentoring and the group was given a chance to network.

I really enjoyed meeting people from across UCL and understanding through them a little bit more about how it all fits together. It was great to share experiences and realising everyone brings different contributions. Thalia’s scene setting and her emphasis on being open to learning in different ways were very helpful."
Launch event attendee

The speed networking was great - great to meet with fellow events professionals at UCL."
Launch event attendee 

More information

• More about the Events Community of Practice (SharePoint link)
• Join a UCL Community of Practice