The University is committed to continuing professional development (CPD) and supports mentoring as part of this.

¡°to help and support people to manage their own learning in order to maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be¡±

Parsloe 1992

Mentoring is a relationship which helps individuals ?through guidance and support from someone more experienced.

Mentoring has the value of an informal relationship with added benefits of having a structured framework. Creating the balance is the main focus of these web pages.

University Testimonials

The positive impact mentoring can have on both the mentor and mentee can be significant. It can also significantly increase engagement at work for both.

Watch this video of testimonials and find out what our colleagues are saying about the benefits of mentoring. Click the back button at the top left of the screen to return to mentoring pages

What does mentoring offer?

A mentoring relationship is one where both mentor and mentee recognise the need for personal development. ?A mentor can help someone achieve their personal and professional development objectives when they:

• Are more experienced in the specific area of personal development
• Share knowledge and personal experience
• Are impartial and will give a new perspective
• Can build trust and will observe confidentiality

All mentoring relationships are unique and as such, a mentor can provide support in a number of ways by acting as;

• an adviser - providing objective advice on a range of issues, including career opportunities
• a challenger - challenging assumptions and encouraging alternative thinking
• a coach - directly assisting the mentee to improve a specific skill
• a confidante - listening to fears and concerns
• an expert - providing a source of technical/professional knowledge
• a facilitator - highlighting potential opportunities, arranging introductions
• a motivator - encouraging the achievement of goals and boosting morale
• a role model - promoting and encouraging positive behaviours in others
• a sounding board - for testing ideas and suggestions
• a source of feedback - providing constructive feedback
• a source of organisational material - explaining University policies, culture and values

What are the main benefits?

Becoming a mentor provides:

• an opportunity to 'give back' and help others - using experience gained and making it available to a new person
• the chance to build relationships and enhance collegiality
• exposure to fresh perspectives, ideas and approaches
• opportunities to reflect on your own goals and practices
• improved peer recognition
• a better understanding of the organisation and the way it works
• the chance to practice interpersonal skills
• personal satisfaction through supporting the development of others

Becoming a mentee provides:

• exposure to new ideas and ways of thinking
• advice on leveraging strengths and development opportunities
• guidance on professional development and advancement
• an opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge
• impartial advice and encouragement
• a supportive relationship
• assistance with problem solving
• an improvement in self-confidence
• the opportunity to reflect on practices