1. Getting off to a good start The first 3 months Institute of Psychiatry, Supervisors Training Course September 2010 1 Requirements for first month Induction Guidance for supervision Initial target setting Assessment of training needs Meeting personal tutor Overseas research form Hurdles – contracts, CRB, ethics, etc Start positively

2. Requirements In the first month after registration Induction - attend College/School event + local orientation Discuss supervision and responsibilities (Guidance for Supervision) Set targets for first 3 months (Initial Target Setting) Complete assessment of learning needs and draw up initial training programme (SkillSet) Meet with personal tutor (Guidance for Personal Tutors) Notify EST of any plans for overseas study (Overseas Research Form) 2 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

4. Induction Mandatory attendance at College/School events (first week Oct + 1 month after start) Covers Rules, regulations and procedures Information on resources: facilities, IT, library, welfare, personal tutor, etc. Statutory issues – Health and safety, bullying policy, ethics, plagiarism, data protection Training and development – assessment and access Whos who and where to go for help 4 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

5. Guidance for Supervision Mandatory for student and supervisors Outlines roles and responsibilities of supervisors and student, guidance on authorship issues, IP etc Must be read, discussed and agreed (signed and dated by all parties) Agreed adjustments permitted after discussion (require approval) Benefits All parties understand and agree what is expected from outset Useful if later problems arise 5 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

6. Initial Target Setting Explicitly focuses supervision on what needs to be done Initial version of Monitoring Form Targets, obstacles and solutions, training plan Include all 1 st month essential tasks Additional project specific targets Basis of evaluation at 3 month monitoring report 6 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

7. Assessment of Training Needs SkillSet Self assessment Basis of discussion between student and supervisor Identify training needs Prioritise immediate needs Development of training plan Formal – via courses Informal – via supervision, on-the-job 7 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

8. Other early tasks Anticipate progress-limiting steps and plan ahead Mandatory or essential training for project Ethics / NHS approval process Order equipment and materials Recruitment methods and sources Research Passport / CRB checks (Early investment avoids later delays and obstacles) Make clear who is to do what, how and when (use Initial Target Setting meeting) By 3 months student should be ready to begin data collection 8 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

9. Starting Positively Establish accurate expectations Think about your expectations of doing a PhD and of the supervision process – discuss with supervisors, post-docs, other students Make sure you know how you supervisor likes to work - check any ground rules Make sure you have a clear sense of direction – supervisors should help you Set clear, relevant and timely objectives Provide opportunity to make early start on writing Feel part of a team Develop a positive approach to research and supervision Get into the habit of planning and active problem solving approach Be methodical – keep notes/lab book, use bibliographic software, etc Be open and willing to discuss problems 9 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010

10. Finally – develop a sense of humour www.phdcomics.com 10 Supervisor's Training Course - September 2010