Creating a Mentoring Programme for Sport: A ... - sports coach UK

Creating a Mentoring Programme for Sport1Section 1IntroductionThis guide has been developed to help you design, set up andimplement a mentoring programme suited to the coaching needsof your context (eg governing body of sport, county sportspartnership [CSP], local coaching network, club environment).It has been developed in collaboration with a variety ofprofessionals and practitioners in the area of mentoring andcontains practical guidance to get your programme up and running.It contains best-practice information, practical tips,prompt questions and sample material that you canadapt to your context. All examples have beendrawn from successful mentoring programmes andwill support the development of a programme orenhance your existing programme to ensure safeand effective practice and positive outcomes.Why embark on amentoring programme?Interest in mentoring has grown over time as werecognise the benefits it brings. Mentoring really issomething that can benefit everyone. As well ashelping the mentee develop and advance, thementor can gain extra skills and understandingfrom the partnership. In addition, your organisationcan benefit from improved retention of adynamic workforceBenefits of being a mentee• Gain practical advice, encouragementand support.• Learn from the experiences of others.• Become more resourceful and able to copewith critical incidents.• Become more empowered to make decisions.• Develop social confidence, communication andpersonal skills.Benefits of being a mentor• Develop leadership and management qualities.• Increase confidence and motivation.• Engage in a volunteering opportunity,valued by others.• Benefit from a sense of fulfilment andpersonal growth.• Satisfaction in being able to contribute tosomeone else’s growth.Benefits of mentoring to an organisation• Enhanced transfer of skills leading toproductivity gains.• Increased on-the-job learning that reducesoff-the-job training costs.