Managers and leaders in today's NHS require a new set of skills to enable them to support and empower staff in the continual improvement of services for patients. Mentoring and coaching skills are among the skills required.
The East Midlands Mentoring Network was established to provide a service both for people who want to provide coaching and mentoring services and for those seeking them. It includes senior individuals, internal to the NHS, willing to offer their services freely as part of their leadership role.
The Mentoring network also acts as a core infrastructure in support of to East Midlands Leadaership Development programmes. At the core of the network is a database of mentors which allows participants' requirements to be matched to mentors with the relevant skills and experience. The network provides a level playing field for mentors and mentees and allows the client to identify the right helper for their needs.
Definitions
While there are no agreed definitions and the terms "coach" and "mentor" are often used interchangeably, we describe:
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A coach as someone who guides and encourages others in developing their own skills, competencies and performance
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A mentor as someone who guides and assists another in the overall direction of their career
Both require the same skills of building a relationship, contracting, active listening, active questioning and generating feedback. Mentors may be called upon to coach, and coaches to mentor. See the attached article for a more detailed discussion of mentoring and how it can benefit you. The Mentoring Network is looking to increase the number of available mentors - interested? then read on......
Contacting a Mentor
1. Fill in the questionnaire on the mentors on-line database on the TIN website. This is a self diagnostic questionnaire which will help you think through both the objectives and the form of mentoring that will be most helpful to you. This will then search for a mentor that best matches your requirements.
2. Once you have the results of your search, click on the name of the mentor and this will give you more information on that person's skills and experience.
3. If the mentor is suitable, you can email them to introduce yourself and to arrange a time to phone.
4. If the mentor agrees to mentor you, you can then both agree on mutually convenient times for sessions.
5. It is important that you choose a "neutral" venue, away from either party's workplace where they may be disturbed, but it should in a public place.
6. Mentoring is a professional relationship, and it would not be appropriate to be asked to disclose personal details and home addresses.
Becoming a Mentor
1. Click on the register as a mentor button and fill out the application form. Your application will automatically be sent to Kate Sharpe who will authorise and publish to the database.
2. TIN members can search the mentors database for a suitable match for their requirements. If you are a match for a prospective mentee, they will email you to arrange a time to phone. If you would then like to mentor them, you can arrange mutually convenient times for sessions.
If you would like to talk things through before enrolling, then please contact Kate Sharpe kate.sharpe@nhs.net or take a look at the mentor guidelines section of this site.
Other useful links you may wish to view before signing up are the MA Leadership Centre Guidelines on BME Mentoring and the NHS Confederation BME forum.
If you feel that you have the skills, experience and time to give as a mentor, please contact us.
Free e-learning programme for mentors
Guidelines on becoming a mentor
Click here for new FAQ section of the Leadership Network
