Mentoring
Mentoring Programme Guidance
Purpose
The function of the Mentoring Programme is to provide targeted support for both the workforce and wider membership of British Dressage when appropriate. Mentoring partnerships aim to achieve a range of key objectives, including Professional and personal development, knowledge transfer, goal setting, performance improvement and retention and engagement.
Ultimately it is important that the mentoring process is led by the mentee and their specific needs, which differs from a classroom-based learning experience. Mentors will support their mentees by using shared experience and knowledge to resolve current issues and develop their skills for the future.
There will be 2 defined streams to BD Mentoring, the first being mentoring on behalf of the organisation if a development need is identified. On these occasions, BD will identify a suitable mentor on behalf of the mentee and will put them in contact. In these instances, BD will fund a maximum of 4 hours mentoring.
In addition to this, BD will advertise online the details of participating mentors, which will allow members to identify and contact mentors directly for support. The fee will be mutually agreed at the mentors discretion, and is payable directly to the mentor. This must be confirmed and made clear to mentees prior to engagement.
For more information on the programme contact Rachel:
Format
Once a mentor/mentee make initial contact with each other they should arrange their first session together to discuss their requirements in more detail and set out the plan for their time together. Every mentoring partnership is required to complete a mentoring agreement during their first session together and return this to BD Head Office. This clarifies expectations and helps to ensure a structured and effective partnership.
The purpose of this agreement is to clarify:
- Length of partnership
- Format of communication (in person, Zoom, phone etc)
- Frequency and length of meetings
- Topics covered
- Goal setting
- Ground rules for discussions
The length and format of the mentoring partnership is completely flexible and can be mutually agreed by both parties to suit requirements. Mentees can continue with their chosen/allocated mentor for as many hours as they wish. In the case of BD recommended mentoring, if the mentee wishes to continue with their allocated mentor beyond the BD funded 4 hours they will fund this themselves at a price which is mutually agreed with their mentor.
Terms
The mentee is not obliged to act on any information, suggestion, advice or guidance given by the mentor as part of the services, and if so, they will do so at their own risk. The mentee is advised to take independent financial, legal or other appropriate professional advice before acting on any information or guidance given by their mentor if they feel it is appropriate.
All parties will keep in strict confidence any information of a confidential nature discussed as a result of this arrangement, with the exception of any information which is already available in the public domain.
All parties agree to honour the mentoring agreement and will assess progress throughout, as well as at the conclusion of the partnership. If the partnership is terminated prior to the scheduled conclusion, British Dressage should also be notified if applicable.
As part of their duty of care, mentors must report and concerns for the health or wellbeing of their mentees to British Dressage so that appropriate support can be facilitated. For confidential advice with and safeguarding queries, or to report a concern or incident, please email Lead Safeguarding Officer Ben Waterhouse:
Becoming a mentor
Anyone with relevant skills and experience is welcome to apply to become a BD Mentor, including those from outside of equestrian sport. If you think you could be a suitable candidate to join our Mentoring cohort, please review the job description and contact Rachel:
Fill in the application form and return to Rachel, or get in touch via the button below for any other enquiries.
All Mentors will be required to complete non accredited Mentoring training and agree to the Mentor Code of Conduct prior to delivery of services.
