Mentoring Overview

The mentoring scheme is a voluntary service provided by and for the benefit of our members.

There is no cost to this service but we want to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the purpose of this service and the way in which we envisage that it is used.

Mentoring is more than advice and guidance, it is an opportunity for sharing knowledge, experience and providing support along with practical skills and techniques for professional progression within family law.

Our group aims to be as diverse as possible both in terms of geography and also within the specific roles our members hold within family law. This means that our members will have a diverse set of skills which will feel will provide huge benefits for members.

Purpose of the scheme

The scheme has been put into place to benefit any member who is experiencing any challenges within family law and would like general advice, encouragement and/or guidance on what tools are needed to overcome those challenges.

The scheme is expected to last no more than 6 months and will encompass not less than 3 sessions and no more than 6 sessions during that period.

The mentoring scheme is available to all members. Each member can participate no more than once a year.

Criteria for mentors

We do not have specific training requirements for mentors but we do ask them to provide details of the particular skills they possess and/or training they have undertaken that demonstrates an understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Scope

A mentor does not give advice, rather helps the mentee to weigh up situations, through a process of reflection, questions, challenges and feedback and allowing the mentee to come to a decision themselves.

Code of Conduct

• The mentor’s role is to respond to the mentee’s needs and agreed agenda; it is not to impose their own agenda
• Mentors and Mentees will agree an outline of how they plan the sessions to be scheduled and arrange these at suitable times, and with consideration to each other’s time and responsibilities.
• Mentor’s and Mentee’s will keep all discussions confidential and will not disclose any discussions or that they working together within the WiFL mentoring scheme.
• Mentors should be aware of the scope of their relevant skills and training, if at any point they feel that the mentee requires assistance which is outside of their skills and/or experience they will direct the mentee to the appropriate point of contact or support professional.
• Mentors will ensure that they have completed Equality and Diversity training and any other relevant professional updates annually.
• Mentors and Mentees have a responsibility to highlight any conflict of interest or ethical issues at the earliest opportunity and seek appropriate guidance if needed.
• Mentees are aware that Mentors are volunteering this service, and whilst they will endeavour to support the Mentee in line with the scope of the scheme, there is no guarantee of success or realisation of the agenda/aim.
• Mentor’s and Mentee’s agree that all appropriate GDPR regulations will be complied with in relation to any data shared. Any written emails, disclosure or notes will not be shared and will be deleted at the end of the mentoring relationship.