How does the scheme work

The scheme runs on a biannual basis and is coordinated by The People and Organisational Development team.

Prospective mentors will complete a mentor application form which, amongst other things, will indicate the topics that they feel they can provide mentoring on. They are also required to undergo training for the role.

Similarly, prospective mentees will complete a mentee application form, including areas they want to explore with their mentor.

At the close of each round, mentors are matched as closely as possible to mentees depending on the experience and knowledge that mentors can offer and the experience and knowledge that mentees are looking for. Every effort will be made to make a good match however this will depend largely on the availability of a wide mentor pool.

An introductory email is sent out to each pairing with the respective applications attached along with access to resources to the mentoring journey. Following this, the mentee/mentor arrange their first meeting. At this meeting, the mentor will try to clarify the level and nature of the advice and support that the mentee wishes to receive and that the mentor feels able to provide. This can be reviewed and revised at later stages.

The mentoring relationship is then set up to run for a period of six months with up to six meetings. At the end of six months, you will be sent an end of mentoring evaluation form to complete, followed by another six months after the end of the relationship to measure long-term impact.