FAQs

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is about helping people to develop more effectively. It is a relationship designed to build confidence and support mentees so that they are able to take control of their own development. Mentoring isn’t the same as training or coaching and a mentor doesn’t need to be an expert in the role you carry out.

What is unique about the BAME Mentoring programme?

This programme, a first of its kind for the NHS, is a key step in fostering an inclusive organisation. It involves senior and executive members of staff mentoring employees from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, across 6 NHS organisations in Kent & Medway.

• East Kent Hospitals University Foundation NHS Trust

• Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

• Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

• Medway Foundation Trust

• South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

• Kent & Medway Clinical Commissioning Group

It is a pilot BAME Networking Mentoring programme that will be delivered by WERKIN, a company that specialises in mentoring for underrepresented groups. WERKIN are pioneers of modern leadership and inclusive organisational design and are sought out to share expertise on mentoring, leadership development, learning & organisational development initiatives, and how to best support diverse and under-represented employees to make workplace better for everyone.

How long is the pilot, and what would my commitment be?

The programme will run for 6 months (Sept 21-Feb 22). Your commitment will involve a minimum of 1 session a month with your mentoring partner, for the 6 months. During the programme, training and development sessions will be available to you, such as:

• Developing confidence and key skills in how to be a mentee & mentor

• Mentoring sessions

• Drop in support sessions

• Celebration event

What is in it for me?

Mentees: The programme aims to help you increase your self-confidence and motivation and be supported to formulate a clear sense of personal direction. This is a great opportunity for you to think about things in a different way and develop your own skills by tapping into those of others. At the end of the programme, you will receive a certificate of completion and a commendation from your Trust Chief Executive.

Mentors: This an opportunity to influence and celebrate the successes of your mentee. It will provide challenge and stimulation, provide you with new skills and give you satisfaction from seeing others develop. Being a mentor can also give you perspective in your own career.

What are the requirements I need to meet to be considered?

Mentees: You should be from a BAME background and currently working at band 6 – 7 in ANY role within your organisation. You must be willing to participate by discussing your challenges and barriers to progression and take advantage of opportunities offered to you by your mentor. Each mentee will be carefully matched with a mentor.

Mentors: You will need to be working at a band 8a or above (including Consultant roles). You won’t need any previous experience of mentoring to be a mentor as you will receive training and support throughout the programme. You will need to have a good understanding of your own strengths and development needs, be able to listen, be prepared to try to understand different perspectives and be willing and able to commit sufficient time to your mentee to offer support and guidance.

As this is a dedicated programme for the progression of BAME staff, priority will be given to mentors of a BAME background, though all are encouraged to apply.

What’s the deadline?

Please submit your application by Close of Business (5.30pm) on 17 September.