The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) is delighted to announce the launch of its Mentorship Scheme, following the successful pilot which ran from February to July 2021. The new scheme aims to connect early career and mid-career scholarly publishers with a wider network of colleagues to learn from, and to share experiences.

ALPSP invites members to get involved in the next phase of the programme as either a mentor or mentee, by applying online before the deadline of 30 July 2021. This will take place between August 2021 to January 2022, and all new mentors will be offered the option to attend a free mentorship training day which is run by The Centre for Strategy and Communication.

The initial pilot phase of the scheme proved a great success with everyone involved reporting many benefits in participating.

ALPSP member and mentor, Sophia Anderton, Director of Publishing, The British Institute of Radiology, commented:
“I have really enjoyed being part of ALPSP’s mentorship scheme as a mentor – one of the most rewarding things I have done this year. I have been a manager for a long time, but this is a really different experience and one that has challenged me in a new way. I always look forward to the sessions with my mentee and would really recommend others to join the scheme.”

ALPSP member and mentee added: 
“My mentor and I meet monthly for an hour and a half, and I’ve been able to share my fears, hopes and thoughts on a variety of experiences, from managing underperformers to stretching top performers, helping my team build leadership skills to figuring out where I need to build out my own subject/industry knowledge and skills. I hope that I’ll be able to work informally with my mentor after the programme cycle ends!”

There are also several volunteering options available for ALPSP members. These provide the opportunity to meet and network with new colleagues, learn additional skills, give back to the community and input into ALPSP activities. More information is outlined on the ALPSP website regarding the Mentorship Scheme and volunteering.

ENDS

About ALPSP
ALPSP is the international trade association which supports and represents not-for-profit organizations that publish scholarly and professional content, and those that work with them. Membership of ALPSP is for the whole organization so all employees can take advantage of the benefits on offer. ALPSP is proud to have nearly 300 member organizations across 30 countries.

For further information, please get in touch, visit our website or follow ALPSP on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.