Project Rescue

The Task Force includes at least one member of academic staff from each of the 8 academic Departments within the Faculty of Medicine who are trained to serve as members of the Project Rescue Task Force.  Each Task Force will comprise 3 or 4 members of academic staff, none of whom will belong to your home Department, research group, programme or training centre. 

We have worked closely with the Student Union Advice Centre to develop Project Rescue.  Darren Douglas, Student Union Advice Centre Manager shares his perspectives:

What is the Project Rescue Task Force and how does it work? 

1. When you initiate the Project Rescue Task Force, your case will be received by the Graduate School’s Project Rescue Task Force Coordinator.  The Coordinator will make an initial assessment to determine whether the minimum threshold for the case to proceed has been reached.     
2. Where your case does not meet the minimum threshold for Task Force intervention, the Coordinator will let you know and will signpost you to other interventions and support.    
3. If your case proceeds, the Coordinator will establish your dedicated Task Force who will meet to consider your case and potential next steps.     
4. Before talking to your Supervisor, the Task Force will agree with you which themes/topics from your case you are happy for them to discuss with your supervisor so that an action plan can be developed.  Your online submission will not be shared with your supervisor. 
5. The Task Force will also tailor the way in which your action plan is developed.  The Task Force could ask to meet separately with you and your supervisor, or if you are in agreement, a joint meeting between the Task Force, your supervisor and yourself could also be arranged.   
6. Ultimately, the Panel will seek to restore good relations between yourself and your supervisor. 
7. Your action plan will be reviewed after 8 weeks to determine progress and whether further intervention is required.   

 Importantly, if you wish to “stop” the process, you can do so at any point by letting the Coordinator know. 

How do I initiate the Project Rescue Panel? 

If you are considering initiating the Project Rescue Task Force, it is recommended that you first arrange a discussion with the Faculty of Medicine's Senior Tutor, Jeffrey Vernon [j.vernon@imperial.ac.uk], or the Graduate School’s Project Rescue Coordinator, Laura Lane [l.lane@imperial.ac.uk] so that you can learn more about the process.   

Once Project Rescue is launched in Autumn 2023, if you would like to proceed, you will be directed from this page to an online form which you can use to initiate a Task Force.  The form will ask you to describe the challenge you are experiencing and the impact it is having on your wellbeing and academic progression.  You will also be asked to share your views on possible solutions to the challenge you are experiencing, but it is fine if you do not have any suggestions. 

Your case will be carefully considered with a view to achieving reconciliation between yourself and your supervisor.  Please be reassured that if you change your mind at any time, and you no longer want to move forward with the Task Force, you can stop the process.    

If you are worried about the data you submit through the online form, please read the confidentiality statement which explains who will have access to the data you submit through this form:

 Confidentiality statement:  

If you initiate a Project Rescue Task Force, please note that the content of your online submission will be seen by the Project Rescue Task Force Coordinator, Faculty Senior Tutor and if proceeding, members of the Project Rescue Task Force.  

The Project Rescue Task Force Coordinator, Faculty Senior Tutor and members of the Project Rescue Task Force will hold what you tell them in confidence unless there is a significant and immediate risk to your health and safety or that of others.  In such cases, College support services will be alerted following usual College protocol. 

The content of your online submission will not be sent to your supervisor.  However, in order for action to be taken, the Task Force will agree with you the themes and challenges to be discussed with your supervisor.    

Finally, please note that a written record of your submission, meetings and the resulting outcomes will be kept and stored confidentially.

If you initiate the Project Rescue Task Force, the content of your online submission will be seen by the Project Rescue Task Force Coordinator, and if proceeding, members of your Project Rescue Task Force.   

 The Coordinator and your Task Force will hold what you tell them in confidence unless there is a significant and immediate risk to your health and safety or that of others.  In such cases, College support services will be alerted following usual College protocol.  

The content of your online submission will not be sent to your supervisor.  However, for action to be taken, the Task Force will need to agree with you the themes and challenges to be discussed with your supervisor.     

Finally, please note that a written record of your submission, meetings and the resulting outcomes will be kept and stored confidentially.