Mentoring scheme

Introduction

The Brookes Mentoring Scheme is run by OCSLD.  It is a voluntary scheme and as people can benefit from mentoring at different stages in their career it is open to everyone in the University.  Induction and ongoing support are given to mentors and mentees. 

On joining the scheme:

• mentors will be given a one-day introduction to mentoring and to the scheme.  All mentors will be invited to three meetings during the year where they can discuss issues that have arisen for them, network with other mentors and receive support.
• mentees will be given a half-day induction and up to three prospective mentors to consider.  There will be an opportunity to review the chosen partnership after two meetings.  The Scheme Co-ordinator will be available to support mentees with any issues they may have.

What is mentoring?

The definition of mentoring

The dictionary definition of a mentor is an ‘experienced and trusted advisor and guide’.  Traditionally this has meant that mentors have tended to be viewed as someone more senior than the mentee, someone with greater experience, knowledge and an extensive network of contacts.  However, the definition of mentor can be much broader and open up the scope for a variety of mentoring partnerships, which can be part of formal schemes or informal arrangements:

to help and support people to manage their own learning in order to maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be (Parsloe, 1992)

off-line help by one person to another in making significant transitions in knowledge, work or thinking (Megginson and Clutterbuck 1995)