Guidelines for the Role of a Mentor
A definition of mentoring is:
Mentoring includes coaching, facilitating, counselling and networking. It is not necessary to dazzle the protégé
with knowledge and experience. The mentor just has to provide encouragement by sharing his enthusiasm for
the job.
David Clutterbuck, Everyone needs a Mentor
A Mentor should:
 be appointed within a month of the commencement of employment of the probationer
 be an experienced member of academic staff (normally SUT/SL or above level)
 meet regularly with the probationer to discuss progress (not less than twice a year)
 discuss progress and review targets set with the probationer
 offer professional advice
 be a trusted adviser to the probationer
 draw the attention of the Head of School/RI/US Department to any difficulties
encountered by the probationer in the performance of his or her duties
 not have a line management relationship with the probationer
 support research/scholarship activity of the probationer
 support learning, teaching and teacher development including the New
Lecturer/Teacher Programme if applicable
 encourage self management of learning
 try to maintain momentum of progress for the probationer
 ensure meetings are scheduled with time to discuss issues
 complete an independent report each year, as part of the Annual Review process,
which draws attention to any issues which need to be addressed in order to further the
probationer’s development.
Ann Hastings, 4 August 2009