Masterclass contributor resources

Important information for Masterclass supervisors, speakers and helpers

Introduction

Thank you for getting involved with Ri Masterclasses as an adult contributor. This page contains key information and tools to enable you to best support the Masterclasses you are involved with. Please see the below information on the different roles.

Masterclasses are normally run face-face but can also be run online. Make sure you access the right set of tools for the type of Masterclass you are contributing to.

Please review the documents on this page in advance of your Masterclasses to refresh your knowledge, especially if you are a supervisor. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and these documents will help you take on that responsibility.

Contact us here in the Masterclass team if you need support, have any questions or would like a short induction. We can also share a video of a recent Masterclass Supervisor training, suitable for new supervisors or those who would like a refresher on any aspects of the role, including safeguarding - email us for more details.

masterclasses@ri.ac.uk

Contributor roles

Adult contributors attend Masterclasses to fulfil one of the following roles:

  • Masterclass speakers lead the workshop, either alone or in a small group, and are usually responsible for developing the content of the session
  • Masterclass helpers support the students, speakers and supervisors, assisting with running activities and supporting the students' learning
  • Masterclass supervisors have greater levels of responsibility, being in charge of the pastoral/safeguarding care of the students. They are always present in the Masterclasses to oversee the on-the-day running of the workshops and manage the speakers and helpers. A series of Masterclasses may have more than one supervisor who share responsibilities
  • Where a Masterclass has breakout rooms (online or physical spaces where students go to for part of the class to work on activities), there will also be breakout room supervisors. These supervisors will have more responsibility than helpers, as they are in charge of the pastoral care of the students in their breakout room, but less responsibility than the main supervisor for the session. They should discuss their role and responsibilities with the Masterclass series organiser and/or lead supervisor for the sessions they are contributing to.

Additional contributors who plan Masterclasses: 

  • Masterclass organisers are those who plan and run the series, ensuring everything is in place for the workshops to run safely and effectively. They recruit and liaise with the students, teachers and adult contributors.

Further notes

All documents and templates are updated and published at least annually in advance of the new academic year. Please ensure you are using the latest copy. Please feel free to contact us if there is something missing from this list that you think could be useful.

The tools and information shown here and linked above are the property of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and are protected as set out in the terms and conditions below. They are intended to support the work of Ri Masterclass volunteer groups and must not be used, shared or reproduced for any purpose other than this.