FAQs

What is Mentoring for Inclusion?

The overarching aim of Mentoring for Inclusion is to support up to 30 members of staff from diverse and underrepesented backgrounds to become qualified Mentors. The intervention will bridge the current diversity gap in our mentoring faculties and responds to a core element of the People Plan, to provide inclusive and companionate leadership.

Why should I mentor rather than be mentored?

Mentoring is a key component to career progression. Every programme, whether traditional mentoring, reverse mentoring, or peer mentoring, has an element of both participants learning from their journey. By learning how to have empathetic and generative conversations, and change behaviours and perspectives, you are able to bring your own career into more focus. Being a mentor gives you the same core skills as being a great leader, and so we believe that Mentoring for Inclusion will enhance your leadership skills and visibility in your system.

How long is the programme, where is it, and what would my commitment be?

The programme workshops will be 3 half days from June - September. You will be required to do a small amount of pre-work/reading (avg 1 hour) prior to each session, which will be sent out to you at least a week in advance. You will also have post-session materials to read/watch/complete, in workbooks (30 mins). Each session will be 4 hours including breaks.

That means for month you should set aside 5.5 hours for the programme.

The programme sessions will be held in person in Trusts across Sussex, with a hybrid option available.

What is in it for me?

The programme aims to help you become a mentor and a more inclusive leader. It will also increase your 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. It will provide challenge and stimulation, provide you with new skills.

During the programme, training and development sessions will be available to you, such as:

• How to handle difficult conversations

• Empathy & Understanding

• How to ask the right questions

At the end of the programme, you will receive a certificate of completion and a commendation.

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

You need to be working in one of the following organisations:

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With over 7+ years of experience in career (inside or outside of health and care) and from an underrepresented background (BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodiverse, woman or non-binary, from a low socio-economic background).

What’s the deadline?

Please submit your application by Close of Business (5.30pm) on 1st June 2023. The launch session will be held on XXX so please provisionally block this out in your diary once you apply. You will be notified of your status regarding the programme after 1 June.