Mentoring Guidelines: Types of Scheme
Organisations set up formal schemes to develop and support individuals. This may be compulsory and include all staff or focus on specific groups, e.g. new recruits, women aiming for management or under-achievers. Mentoring may also help to solve specific problems, e.g. high staff turnover, improve communication or enhance individual projects.
Informal schemes often evolve from friendship or professional contact. Either the learner or potential mentor can initiate them, when a mutual interest in support and development is recognised. Partners may work in the same department or organisation, belong to a professional group or meet through wider networks, this includes people encountered at conferences or training sessions. Mentoring requires more input from learners than many other support methods. Learners can be expected to initiate and set up mentoring relationships, make time for them, show commitment to their success and review them.
Updated: 05 February 2006