Why mentoring matters
As we progress in our careers, we all take very different paths; some may take on more leadership or management roles, others may go from working in a team setting to working as a sole author. Even remote working offers its own challenges that may not be obvious to solve. It can be daunting to take on these challenges and not know what to do. That’s where mentoring plays a vital role. Having a conversation with someone who has “been there and done it” and is in a position to offer you advice and guidance can be invaluable. They can offer a different perspective on a problem, which can help you find the right solution.
Updating the scheme in 2024
Knowing how valuable mentoring can be, we are extending the mentoring programme to all members. However, the scheme in its current form is not suitable for all members. Therefore, in order to replace the current scheme with something more widely appropriate, we have stopped taking new entrants to the current mentoring scheme with immediate effect. In its place we are launching a new mentoring programme that will be open to all members of the ISTC, regardless of your membership level.
To all current mentees and mentors, you should all have received an email from the mentoring lead or your mentor to explain this new programme. If you have missed this email, rest assured that you and your current mentor can continue on with your current arrangement and we will offer assistance as needed.
How will it work?
This new mentoring programme is a 4-month programme that you sign up to either as a mentee or mentor, or both. We will open the door for entries the month before it begins. You will be asked to fill out a form with the information needed for us to match you as best as possible to a suitable mentor/mentee. Once all possible matches are made, we will contact everyone to inform them. It will then be the responsibility of the mentee to reach out and contact their mentor.
We will also provide you with a mentoring programme handbook that will contain information on how the programme works, what is expected of you (as mentee and mentor) and templates you can use to help you on your journey.
At the end of the 4 months, both parties will be asked to submit a completion record to show you have participated in and completed this programme. This record can also form part of your CPD for the year, and will be used to evidence the awarding of a certificate of completion in support of this.
Initially we will be running this programme once a year, but if there is enough demand we will consider opening it up for a second term in the same year. We anticipate accepting entries in September/October 2024 with start date in November.
Get in touch
The final details of the new programme are currently under review and we value any input you may have. Please email mentoring@istc.org.uk with any queries or suggestions you may have before 31st August 2024.