Mentoring scheme

I wanted to inform you that the mentoring scheme is already proving extremely useful. My mentor, Hugh Maxwell has an abundance of knowledge and experience. This is my first H&S managerial role, so to have Hugh there in these early stages to bounce ideas off is fantastic." Grant Thompson, Health and Safety Manager, GA Pet Food Partners.

We piloted our mentoring scheme in the first half of 2018 with a small group of internationally based IIRSM members. For the pilot we received mentee applications from individuals working in a range of industries, locations and at varying seniority levels showing you are never too experienced to seek support.

It was a learning experience for all involved, with mentees appreciating the opportunity to bounce ideas off a more experienced member and mentors valuing the opportunity to improve their people development skills.

All those who participated in the pilot recommend it to other IIRSM members.

Purpose of IIRSM's mentoring scheme 

The purpose of the scheme is for mentors share their expertise to help less experienced IIRSM members develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours to achieve their professional objectives. Discussion points may include:

• Technical knowledge – for example identifying practical tools, techniques, models or theories that can be applied to a mentee’s day-to-day role etc. 
• Business skills –  for example designing and delivering presentations, developing business cases and strategy etc.  
• Behavioural competences – for example influencing skills, management and leadership skills etc. 
• Career development – developing a strong CV, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, interview techniques, taking the next career step etc. 
• How to and benefits of progressing through IIRSM membership.

Mentors and mentees do not need to be in the same location as e-mail, phone and Skype allow mentoring to be effectively delivered without direct face-to-face contact.

Applying for the scheme 

Application periods 

There are three application periods per year: 

• January/ February 
• May/ June 
• September/ October 

The timetable for the January/ February 2019 application period is:

Mentor guidance and application form

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, download and read the mentor guidance document below. It contains important information about the scheme, including the responsibilities of mentors and mentees and the experience, skills and qualities we expect mentors to hold. You should read it before completing the application form, which will be available in January 2019. 

Mentee guidance and application form 

If you are interested in being mentored, download and read the mentee guidance document below. It contains important information about the scheme, including the responsibilities of mentees and mentors and the purpose of the scheme. You should read it before completing the application form, which will be available in January 2019. 

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact Holly Mulvihill-Clark, Head of Learning and Development, at holly.mulvihill@iirsm.org.