Becoming a Mentor

Why do people become mentors?

Mentors are experienced professionaIs, typically from middle, senior and executive management levels, who want to share their time to support others. Often because of the support and inspiration they themselves have received earlier in their careers, people want to "give back".

Benefits of being a mentor include:

What we look for in a Mentor

Experience of managing others is very useful however, it is just as important for a mentor to want to guide and develop others, as is a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in their dealings with others. Useful skills and qualities of great mentors are listed below. The list is not exhaustive nor is any one person expected to embody them all. Retired and practicing housing / housing-related / 3^rd sector professionals are all welcome.

Skills we seek in a mentor include: Relationship-building, listening, questioning, sensitively challenging, identifying options, setting boundaries or expectations, clarifying objectives, focusing, action planning, being creative and reflecting. Someone who can introduce the mentee to wider networks and connections.

Qualities mentees prize in effective mentors include: Gives encouragement, is open and honest, empowers mentees to lead sessions, creates a confidential space, shows an interest in the mentee, remaining objective and supportive to self-reflection.

Hear from our Mentors

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To apply to become a mentor.