Mentoring

What is mentoring?

"Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be."

Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching and Mentoring

Mentoring is based on a relationship between two people, the mentor and mentee. In the mentoring relationship:

"The mentor is generally more experienced that the mentee and makes use of that experience in a facilitative way to support the development of the mentee. Mentoring is used to assist individuals at specific stages of development or transition and lasts for a sustained but defined period of time. The mentoring relationship provides a developmental opportunity for both parties and can thus be of mutual benefit."

Beels, C and Powell D (1994) Mentoring with Newly-Qualified Teachers – the Practical Guide. CCDU: The University of Leeds.

Chartership mentoring scheme

The Geological Society runs a mentoring scheme which aims to provide support to Fellows working towards Chartered Geologist or Chartered Scientist. This will continue to be open to all Fellows throughout the duration of the pilot mentoring scheme for women. Fellows at any career stage who are thinking of applying for chartership in the future can apply to the Society for a mentor if they feel that they would benefit from guidance from a current Chartered Geologist/Scientist. The Society will match the Fellow with a mentor based on similar areas of expertise and geographical location. The mentor should be a Chartered Geologist/Scientist who is willing to maintain contact with the Fellow and provide advice and support on aspects of professional development.

If you would like a mentor, or would like to volunteer to be a mentor, please contact the Janine Benn in the Fellowship Department at janine.benn@geolsoc.org.uk or telephone 020 7434 9944.