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[ Home » What We Do » Vol Vm Mentoring Definitions.php ]

Mentoring Definitions

"Mentoring is a formal voluntary arrangement where an experienced individual provides one-to-one support and encouragement over a period of time to another person in order to assist them set and achieve goals; develop their skills; manage their own learning and development; and maximise their potential to become the person they want to be." (Roger Courtney, 2000)

 

This is the definition of mentoring used by the Volunteer Development Agency and the Northern Ireland Volunteer Mentoring Forum. It is taken from A Guide for the Journey - our research report commissioned to look at mentoring in Northern Ireland.

 

Other definitions include:

 

Mentoring is ...

"A one-to-one, non-judgemental relationship in which an individual voluntarily gives time to support and encourage another. This is typically developed at a time of transition in the mentee's life, and lasts for a significant and sustained period of time" (Active Community Unit, Home Office).

 

"The on-going contact between two people, one of whom is more skilled, experienced or knowledgeable than the other and has the aim of helping the less experienced person to learn and develop, both personally and professionally" (Harris 1995).

 

"A one-to-one relationship that supports the growth and development of an individual" (Mentoring & Befriending Foundation).

 

"Support, assistance, advocacy or guidance given by one person to another in order to achieve an objective or several objectives over a period of time" (SOVA).

 

"The support of one individual by another within a personal relationship developed through regular contact over a period of time" (Pan London Standard).

 

"A process by which an older and more experienced person takes a younger person under his/her wing, freely offering advice, support and encouragement. The older person (the mentor) becomes among other things, a role model who inspires the younger person (the mentee)" (North London College).

 

"An adult who can provide a pupil with the benefit of their life, school or work experience with a view to encouraging them to move confidently through a range of new experiences" (Salford Business Education Partnership).

 

A mentor is ...

"Someone who helps another person on a one to one basis, usually younger, through an important transition" (The DIVERT Trust).

 

"Many things - a positive role model, an adviser, an experienced friend. Somebody from outside a person's immediate circle taking a special interest can make an enormous difference" (Excellence in Schools).