How does it work?

The BSG Mentoring Programme was introduced at BSG LIVE'22 and launched in September 2022 which remains the main programme. In 2024 we launched an additional programme, the IMT to GI scheme for IMT doctors who were looking for support in the application process for GI Registrar. In October 2026 we will be launching the third element of the programme for AGIP members.  

The Programme is hosted on a platform which holds the profiles of the mentors and mentees in the scheme and facilitates sophisticated matching of mentee to mentor, enables mentoring pair communication, video calls and document sharing, and holds a useful resource of educational material and information on mentoring. 

Mentors and mentees are matched according to their overlapping interests and aspirations. Mentees are offered a list of mentors in order of the “best” matches. It is for the mentee to consider the mentor profiles and choose who they would like to approach. There is the opportunity to ask questions of the mentor, and it can be useful to have an initial “getting to know you” conversation. It is a rolling programme, in that there are no set dates to join or a set length for a mentoring relationship and meetings can be either face to face or remote. 

There are three programmes to choose from aimed at different members of the BSG as follows: 

The Main Mentoring Programme 

This is the original programme and almost all of the BSG are able to access this programme.  

For clarity, members who can access this scheme are: consultants, nurses, AHPs, GPs, Medically Qualified Non-Consultant Career Grade Member (SAS Doctors), trainees and international members. This scheme excludes Undergraduate and Foundation and IMT stage 1 members. 

There are currently around 85 mentors and 110 mentees with profiles on the platform.  

The IMT to GI Registrar Programme 

This scheme is aimed at IMT doctors who are applying for a GI training number. These members are likely to either hold a Foundation and IMT Stage 1 BSG membership or be Trainee members at IMT2 or IMT3. 

Mentoring provides support through the application and interview process involved in obtaining a Gastroenterology training number (NTN).  

The intention of the programme is that Trainee members who have recently obtained a training number will come forward to mentor, however we welcome specialist registrars at any stage of their training to join as mentors. 

 A useful guide to gaining a gastroenterology training number can be found here.

The AGIP Programme 

This programme will launch in October 2026 and is a dedicated programme aimed at GI Physiologists. Initially we will ask for those AGIP/BSG members who are prepared to mentor to register and add their profile before opening up the programme to future AGIP/BSG members who wish to be mentees.  

The BSG Mentoring Programme is hosted by PLD Mentoring.