Mentoring

The Concise Oxford Dictionary describes a mentor as an “experienced and trusted advisor”.

The Development profession in the UK is still comparatively new and many schools are establishing development offices for the first time.  Development personnel come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, marketing, charity and business.  This diversity of careers means that there is a enormous wealth of experience that we share.

The mentoring scheme is a service that enables IDPE members to share knowledge to help achieve success.  Development can be a lonely world and a mentor is someone in whom you can confide.

It is an opportunity for those with more experience to give something back to those new to the profession.  Another important part of mentoring is that you meet interesting people and by helping others you always learn something new from them – as you give you always get back.

Lesley Humphreys of Millfield School was originally “paired” with Tina Erskine from Cheadle Hulme School.  From a mentee’s perspective Lesley commented:

“It’s been fantastic to have an experienced Development professional who is willing and happy to advise, guide and support me.   It was a steep learning curve for me and the mentoring scheme has proved invaluable for me personally."

There are a number of IDPE mentors but we need more members to come forward and volunteer. Being a mentor is mostly about being a sounding board; being a good listener; giving feedback and support. If you feel that you can help do get in touch to find out more.  Nobody expects a mentor to have all the answers but by working together we stand a better chance of finding them.

To volunteer or to find out more please contact Jo Woods on 01225 829030 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it