Professional Staff Mentoring Program

An alliance of two people creates a space for dialogue that results in reflection, action and learning for both. (Rolfe-Flett, 2002)

The Professional Mentoring Program is designed to provide staff with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, skills, capabilities and experience to enhance their careers and professional development at the University. Mentoring is an effective process for supporting staff to navigate their career path, to understand and access institutional policies and processes, and to increase confidence and competence in undertaking various role-specific activities.

The University's Securing Success strategy recognises the importance of delivering a range of relevant and value-adding career development opportunities for staff. Mentoring is an important aspect of career and professional development and contributes to building a culture of collaborative learning and development. Professional staff  have the unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge and increase their confidence and capabilities through the support of an experience senior staff member.

The Program is endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Executive and is fully funded by the University and coordinated by Talent and Leadership Development.

About the Program

The Mentoring Program is coordinated by Talent and Leadership Development.  Staff are nominated by their Directors, Managers or Deans to participate in the Program.  Mentors and Mentees are matched by a panel, based on information provided on the application form including career goals and aspirations, areas of interest and expertise, and career and professional development needs.  The Program involves participation in an introduction to mentoring workshop, two evaluation workshops and regular meetings between Mentors and Mentees.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Provide an opportunity to broaden, share knowledge and develop self-awareness;
  • Foster big picture thinking beyond the team, campus and department;
  • Cultivate professional staff networks that support a staff with a 'can do' attitude;
  • Build a high-performing, competent and collegial workforce to achieve the University's goals.

What is mentoring and how is it different to coaching?

The Mentoring Program adopts a developmental mentoring approach.  Mentoring is a confidential partnership between two people built on understanding and trust.  Its primary aim is to build the Mentee's self-reliance and self-confidence.  Mentoring is a positive developmental relationship, driven primarily by the Mentee.  Mentoring is different from coaching or supervision.  Coaching is primarily about performance and the development of specific skills.  Mentoring is more broadly based; focusing on developing capability and often includes longer term help for career self-management.

What does the Mentoring Program involve?

  • A half day introductory workshop
  • Training on mentoring and discussion on the process and expectations
  • A two-hour midpoint evaluation workshop
  • An end of program final evaluation workshop
  • Regular meetings between Mentor and Mentee
  • Online resources and support from Talent and Leadership Development

Comments from participants in the pilot programs include:

  • "What a wonderful opportunity to be given to pause and think about our goals and how to achieve them and to have somebody to help us in the journey to that goal is a true gift."
  • "Better understanding of myself, the importance of listening and reflection, professional pride in being able to give back to the University and others."
  • "This workshop was brilliant! The speakers really encouraged me to find out 'what works for me' in a mentoring situation. I look forward to my mentoring journey."

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new window)

Application Form and Closing Date

This program will run again soon.
Closing date for applications: TBC.

For further information, please contact:

Leone Cripps