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 MIND 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, and women and non-binary employees, 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

• Dartford & Gravesham NHS Foundation Trust

Didn’t you run this programme before?

Yes! Last year we ran the programme as a pilot for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic NHS staff in Kent & Medway. We saw tremendous results from our cohort. There were promotions, people moving to new positions, access to other CPD opportunities, increased confidence and sense of self worth… well, we can tell you all the good stuff, but we’d rather you hear from our past participants!

“Being part of a mentoring group, just belonging somewhere, having the peer support from others, has increased my confidence. I hear from others in the same position as me, I’ve attended webinars and workshops with people like me - some people have completely different experiences. It opens your eyes to a new perspective”

This year, we are extending the programme. As well as including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic employees, we’re also developing women and non-binary talent across Kent & Medway. Our aim eventually with this programme is to include all protected characteristics in this programme, and we are widening the pool incrementally to assess whether this is the right approach.

Who exactly is WERKIN?

WERKIN is 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 (October 22 - March 23). 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.

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, or a woman or non-binary member of staff and currently working at Band 4 – 7 in ANY role within your organisation (clinical or non). 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. If you are Band 7 and have been in your role for 5 or more years, or you have been part of a mentoring programme before, please also consider applying to be a mentor. You do not need to be a woman, non-binary person, or from a BAME background to be a mentor, though as this is a dedicated programme for the progression of BAME staff, women and non-binary staff, priority will be given to mentors from those demographics.

What’s the deadline?

Please submit your application by Close of Business (5.30pm) on 14 October 2022.