Peer Mentoring
For staff new to role at Canterbury Christ Church University
What is Peer Mentoring
Peer mentoring is
a University initiative to support all staff new to the University
or new into role.
Staff will be offered a peer-mentor who will be
someone experienced in working with the University and able to offer support
and guidance during the first year of their employment. This will be
in addition to the more practical induction arrangement put in place by your
department.
Mentoring can be defined as:
"Off-line help from one person to another in making significant transitions in knowledge, work or thinking." (David Clutterbuck, 'Everyone Needs a Mentor', 4th edition.)
Who will be my Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors are
trained members of staff who have experience of working at Christ Church.
They will operate within a similar role to yourself and are committed to the
principles under which the scheme operates.
What is Involved?
Mentors and Mentees have an initial meeting to identify the suitability of the pairing. If both parties are in agreement, they will discuss and agree the mentoring 'contract' which identifies ground rules and how often you will meet, locations and areas of possible discussions.
It is important to emphasis that mentoring is a two way process and both parties need to commit fully to the process and keep up their side of the agreement. It is a confidential process.
What are the benefits to me?
You will gain from the specific support offered, enabling you to benefit from the Mentors experience and internal knowledge of the University. This will help you to settle into your role more easily and will provide you with advise and guidance on working practices and support planning to meet personal and professional development needs.
Your Mentor will offer an independent, neutral source of support which will complement (not replace) the department induction and line manager role.
Benefits:
- Settling into roles more effectively
- Increased confidence
- Improved networks and contacts
- Ideas and suggestions to progress work projects and tasks
- Improved personal and professional development training
How do I get involved?
The Scheme is administered by the Staff Development Office, or in some cases directly by Faculties or Departments.
If you wish to be allocated a Peer Mentor you should either ask your Head of Department if they have a Peer Mentor scheme or contact Staff Development and complete a simple application form. Either way you will be provided details of a possible Peer Mentor match for you to review.
What about my Manager?
Managers will be informed about the initial arrangements and may offer suggestions for potential Peer mentors themselves. Mentors will not report back details of the meetings to managers as confidentiality is a key requirements of the role. However, Mentors are responsible for advising managers that a Peer Mentoring relationship is going on and when it ends.
If you want to find out more about Mentoring, visit our online resource centre enter 'mentoring' into the search box OR attend an 'Mentoring - An Overview' session run by Staff Development.
Download an application form here or email Staff Development for more information: staff.development@canterbury.ac.uk
Comments from former Mentees:
"Having a mentor in my first few months was helpful to me, both on a work and personal level. A rapport and trust soon grew so I felt I could 'get things off my chest' knowing that it would not go any further. That was very reassuring and it gave me a positive start to CCCU."
"A fantastic way to help you settle into life at CCCU! My Mentor was approachable and resourceful. It was great to be able to discuss issues or ask questions you may not want to bother your line manager with. A real confidence booster and I would advise anyone to take advantage of this opportunity."
