Mentoring Programme

What is mentoring?

"Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be." Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching & Mentoring

Who are the mentors?

Mentors will be working preferably at a senior level within a mainstream voluntary organisation. They may be Chairs, Project Managers, Chief Executives and senior management staff working in areas such as fundraising, finance, human resources, senior management, development, communications or policy.

Who can be a mentee?

Mentees are looking to build their knowledge and/or skills within their role and within the voluntary sector. Paid staff, volunteers and/or trustees are encouraged to take part.

Although mentoring relationships are individual, the objective of the project is to build the capacity of those working in the sector. Mentees will therefore have to show commitment to the programme.

The selection process will include a short interview.

What training and support will I receive?

You will be invited to attend an induction meeting prior to being matched with a mentor. At this meeting you will meet the project manager and learn more about how the mentoring relationship will benefit you and how it will work in practice.

Once you have been matched you will continue to receive support from the Development Officer.

How will mentors and mentees be matched?

You will be asked to provide information about your skills, your needs and your expectations of the programme. We will use this information to match you with a mentor with relevant skills and knowledge. You will also have a chance to discuss potential matches with the Development Officer.

We do understand that some matches just don't work so we have a procedure in place to deal with the situation if you're not happy with your match. The most important thing in ensuring a successful mentoring match is to make sure that both parties are happy from the start.

What else is involved?

At the start of the relationship, each pair will define objectives and develop an action plan. During the time you are involved in the mentoring process, the Development Officer will keep in touch with you to offer resources, support and find out about the progress you are making.

You will also be updated regularly on other events and opportunities that might be of interest.

At the end of the mentoring relationship, there will be an evaluation process to help mentors and mentees reflect on the mentoring experience and what they have learnt from it.

How long is the programme for?

We ask for both mentors and mentees to commit to a minimum of 3 months. This will depend on the needs of the mentee and the level of support required.

What are the benefits of having a mentor?

The benefits of a mentor include:

• Tap into knowledge and experience
• Someone impartial to bounce your thoughts, concerns and ideas off
• Someone to challenge how you normally do things to unlock creativity, solve problems and explore options
• Increase personal confidence and effectiveness
• Help with improving your skills § Alleviate feelings of isolation - you are not alone with a mentor
• Access to networks
• Constructive and impartial feedback on personal effectiveness
• Links to other forms of business support

Further Information for Mentees

Mentor Role Outline

Mentor Application Form

Mentee Application Form

All information is treated in the strictest confidence

If you would like further information on mentoring, please contact:

Michelle Omo-Olaye

michelle.omo-olaye@bdcvs.org.uk

(020) 8724 8436