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GLASGOW MENTORING CASE STUDIES
  

Glasgow Mentoring Network has a range of success stories both in the private and public sector.

“I felt that mentoring was a real boost for my confidence and helped me develop ideas about my future career”
 
PRIVATE SECTOR
  
British Telecom

BT has been using mentoring schemes for several years, and has adapted several schemes that cater for different groups within the company. There is no standard model used and each scheme is customised to the demands of the particular users.

Two of there most successful schemes have been the “Women Mentoring Women” scheme and The Graduate Development Programme.

1. “Women Mentoring Women”

The objective of this scheme is to increase the quality and quantity of women’s participation in BT’s workforce.

Mentoring helps accomplish by:

Sharing strategies which have helped more experienced women managers to overcome barriers to growth and advancement.
Increasing network contacts.
Creating positive female role models within BT.
Discussing problems cause by conflicts between home life and careers.

The programme has particularly benefited women returning to work after maternity leave, women planning a career move an those who work in male dominated departments or disciplines. Participation increases the general confidence and prospects of women within BT. The mentors within the “Women Mentoring Women” scheme have an important role and their aim is to give encouragement, constructive criticism, advice and demonstrate confidence in their mentee.

2. Graduate Development Programme

Graduate entrants to BT are allocated a mentor to add another perspective to their companies induction programme. While the line managers are responsible for developing and training graduates, mentors facilitate this development by identifying opportunities and new perspectives.

Best Practice

All of BT’s mentoring programmes follow these Best Practice Guideline:

 The mentoring Support Team, try to match together the best possible pairings, help with the initial meetings and provide support if problems arise.
A mentoring contract is agreed between the pairings, this helps clarifies the different roles in the relationship, and what is expected from them.

 
PUBLIC SECTOR
  
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Voluntary Sector: Kelly Mason Training.

Mentoring in New Deal for 18-24 year olds.

  • HT.. A 21 year old female, held dreams of being a professional dancer. She was matched with a dance teacher, JB. During their mentoring relationship JB gently advised HT that starting a career in dance at age 21 was going to be very hard and encouraged her to look at other options. During their relationship HT was invited for an interview as a lifeguard in Berwick on Tweed. Her mentor worked with her to build confidence for the interview which had a successful outcome. After having rarely left Glasgow, HT is now living and working independently in Berwick.

  • CL..I now on the verge of launching a social business aimed at getting young skateboarders and rollerbladers off the streets of Glasgow. At the age of 20, CL looks set to manage a Glasgow Skatepark, all thanks to the skills of his “life coach” mentor TH. This relationship has now as CL seeks the specific business advice and information necessary to move his project to the next stage.

  • LB.. is a 23 year old male with family commitments. After advising Kelly mason Training that it was his goal to join the army, a serving officer was found as a mentor. After a first meeting which explored the reality of army life, LB took he decision that life as a soldier and his family commitments would not mix. He is now continuing to be supported by his mentor in looking into suitable careers.

  • MN.. A 24 year old male, had his first meetings with his female mentor, CT, on 28th February 2002. By the 2nd of May 2002 after two meetings with his mentor MN had set up his own business. He now runs a Glasgow-based DJ agency, and now hosts his own club-nights in a Glasgow bar as well as managing a small team of freelance DJs. Commenting on the New Deal mentoring service MN said

    “CT gave me the kick up the backside I have been needing for years…”

    MN ands CT are continuing their mentoring relationship, which gives MN the support he needs in the vital stages of a new business.
 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What does being mentor involve?
 

A. Mentors provide additional support to people working towards specific goals. It might be helping someone into the job market for the first time or supporting a young person in the move to their first home. Other examples include mentoring employees, either new to a company or in a new role within the organisation. Mentors are also used in business development, either helping someone to establish a new business or supporting young entrepreneurs who want to grow their existing businesses. The list is endless. 

Essentially, as a mentor, you will provide one-to-one support. You'll meet on a regular basis at times arranged to suit both you and the mentee. You'll provide an opportunity for the mentee to reflect on progress and help them devise strategies to address either problems that arise or make best use of their strengths and opportunities. As someone with relevant experience of the goal the mentee is working towards you can share experiences and act as a sounding board. For more information click on case studies.

   
Q. Do you need any training to become a mentor?
  A. It depends on the programme and your life experience. A the very least you will receive awareness training, giving you information on the individual programme, its aims and the client group. Some groups and individuals have more support needs than others and the background to their participation might be quite complex. In this instance training will be far more rigorous.
   
Q. How much time will the mentoring relationship take up?
  A. Again the amount of time spent meeting with the person you are supporting is dependent on the specific scheme in which you participate. It can vary from one meeting a week to one meeting a month. Meetings usually last for about an hour though they can be more.
   
Q. What benefits will I receive through becoming a mentor?
  A. There are many benefits to becoming a mentor. These include an opportunity to develop your own skills; listening, questioning, motivating others. Don't forget you will learn from your mentee. A fresh perspective on ideas and plans is often quoted as being one of the gains to Mentors. Mentoring will improve your own confidence, knowing that your experience is valuable to others. Of course there is satisfaction from helping others to help themselves and realise their full potential.
   
Q. Do I get paid, and reimbursed for my travelling expenses?
  A. Most organisations do not pay mentors for their services. Expenses, including travelling costs, are usually negotiated with the specific mentoring organisation.
   
Q. How can I find out about taking part in a mentoring programme?
  A. Contact GMN for opportunities in Glasgow and keep an eye on this page under Mentoring Opportunities. Here you will find details of programmes actively recruiting Mentors. 
   
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