Published
A year ago this week we launched our trial Peer Mentoring Programme to a cohort of 12 individuals who had been selected by their Main Reps to take part. A year later we brought them back together to find out how they got on, to find out how we can improve the programme and how we can support future cohorts in 2023 and beyond.
Overwhelmingly the Mentors said that the programme had been of benefit, although they suggested some changes which will make it even more impactful.
“It’s great to meet someone to act as a sounding board.”
The key lessons that emerged were around the matching process – whilst we got it 100% correct for some of the pairs, others felt that it could be improved. We discussed the possibility of adding a number of multiple choice questions to the application process to enable mentors to be more specific about their needs and their areas of expertise. Going forward we hope this will make it more likely that we can automate the matching.
“The programme is very good to help you understand that you are not alone.
A lot of other people are going through the same as you.”
Some of the pairs failed to meet on a regular basis, particularly in the early days of the programme, and it was agreed that a bit more support from the Association could help to create some structure.
“It helped me to learn about different areas I didn’t know about.”
We were very grateful for this feedback from our first cohort, without which we are not able to improve and develop the programme.
Over the next few weeks, we will review our processes, particularly the application process and will launch the 2023 programme early in the new year.