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IoD Mentor Connect Terms and Conditions

What is IoD Mentor Connect?

The IoD Mentor Connect platform is designed to connect members looking for support and guidance on their leadership journey with those that want to share the benefit of their experience.

Whether you are an aspiring or experienced director, or anything in between, our platform makes it easy to find and build your support network, share your experiences and learn from others.

Access to the platform is free to all IoD members.

To ensure a productive and rewarding mentorship experience for everyone, we’ve established terms and conditions for both mentors and mentees:

  • Respect and confidentiality: Treat one another with respect and professionalism. Maintain confidentiality regarding any sensitive information discussed during your mentorship sessions and do not disclose any such information to anyone unless authorised by your Mentor/Mentee.
  • Commitment and communication: Be committed to your mentorship journey. Communicate openly and regularly to ensure your goals and expectations are aligned.
  • Active participation: Actively participate in meetings and discussions. Come prepared to share your experiences and ask questions.
  • Professional conduct: Maintain professional conduct throughout the programme. This includes avoiding any discriminatory or harassing behaviour.
  • No solicitation: The platform is not intended for solicitation or promotion of personal services or businesses.
  • Reporting concerns: If you experience any inappropriate behaviour or have concerns about the programme, report them immediately to [email protected].

Disclaimer

By signing up to the IoD Mentor Connect platform, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

While the mentoring process will support the professional development of both mentor and mentee, the mentoring scheme should not be considered a substitute for professional judgment. The final responsibility for judgments and decisions made by participants on the IoD mentoring scheme, and the actions that flow from them, lie with participants.

Supplying voluntary mentoring services does not represent financial, management or consultancy advice. The mentor is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to the mentee. The mentee is advised to take suitable independent professional advice before acting on any information, suggestion, or guidance given by the mentor. The IoD and the mentor will not, in any circumstances, be liable to the mentee or to any third party for any loss, damage, cost or other liability which occurs as a result of, or in connection with providing mentoring services to the mentee.

For mentors

Do I need to be a qualified mentor to participate?

No, formal qualifications aren’t required to be a mentor! However, we do look for experienced IoD members who have a strong track record in directorship.

Your practical knowledge and insights gained through real-world experience are what will be most valuable to your mentee.

Who can be a mentor?

Any IoD member who is an experienced director and feels confident in supporting other directors on their leadership journey can become a mentor.

Your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise is what makes the programme successful.

What are the expectations of a mentor?

As a mentor, you’ll play a vital role in supporting your mentee’s professional development. This includes providing guidance and advice, offering feedback on challenges they face, and helping them set and achieve their goals.

The platform facilitates communication and scheduling meetings, but the frequency of these interactions is flexible – it’s something you’ll decide on together with your mentee.

How much time commitment is expected?

The time commitment for mentors is flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule and your mentee’s needs.

There’s no minimum or maximum duration for the meetings and/or overall relationship.

However, we recommend establishing a regular schedule of communication (e.g., monthly meetings) to ensure a productive mentorship experience.

How many mentees can I have at the same time?

To ensure you can provide each mentee with the time and attention they deserve, we recommend limiting the number of mentees you work with to a maximum of three at any one time.

This allows you to foster meaningful relationships and offer personalised support to each mentee on their leadership journey.

However, the ultimate decision is yours.

If you feel comfortable managing more than 3 mentees and have the capacity to do so effectively, you can discuss this with the administrators by emailing [email protected].

Can I choose the mentees I work with?

Yes, you have some control over who you mentor.

Mentees will send you a request to be your mentee, and you can then review their profile and ask any questions you may have before deciding to accept.

This allows you to find a mentee who aligns with your expertise and interests. You also have the option to decline a request or withdraw your application from the programme at any time.

For mentees

How do I find the right mentor for me?

Our platform is designed to help you find a mentor who perfectly complements your needs and goals. Here’s how you can leverage the search filters to find your ideal match:

  • Expertise and skills: Seek out mentors with expertise relevant to your desired career path. Focus on areas where you want to develop your skill set.
  • Industry: Narrow down your search by sector to find mentors who understand the specific challenges and opportunities within your field.
  • Career stage: Match with mentors who have experience at a similar stage in their careers. They can offer valuable insights based on their own journey.
  • Company size: Consider if you’d prefer a mentor from a similar sized company or one with experience in a larger or smaller organisation, depending on your goals.
  • Location: While online mentoring offers flexibility, location preference can be a factor. You might seek someone you can meet with in person occasionally.
  • Mentoring preference: Indicate whether you prefer face-to-face meetings, online video calls, or a combination of both, depending on your learning style and availability.

By utilising these filters in combination, you’ll be well on your way to finding a mentor who can provide tailored guidance and support throughout your directorship journey.

What topics can I discuss with my mentor?

The beauty of peer-to-peer mentoring lies in its flexibility to address a wide range of topics relevant to your directorship journey. Here are some examples to get you started:

  • Executive leadership: Discuss strategies for effective boardroom leadership, navigating complex board dynamics, and fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Corporate governance: Seek guidance on implementing best practice in corporate governance, ensuring transparency and accountability within your organisation.
  • Risk management: Gain insights on identifying and mitigating potential risks, developing robust risk management frameworks, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Sustainability: Explore strategies for integrating sustainability into your company’s operations, managing environmental impact, and aligning with stakeholder expectations.
  • Professional Development: Discuss strategies for continuous learning, setting professional goals, and developing your skill set to excel in the ever-evolving business landscape.
  • Strategy: Discuss strategic planning for your organisation, developing a competitive advantage, and making sound long-term decisions.
  • Finance: Gain insights on financial management, understanding financial statements, and making informed financial decisions for your organisation.

These are just a few examples, and the specific topics you discuss will depend on your individual needs and aspirations. Your mentor can also be a sounding board for broader career challenges, offering valuable perspectives and advice to help you navigate your professional journey.

How often should I meet with my mentor?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the ideal meeting frequency depends on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your mentor’s availability.

Here are some additional tips for establishing a meeting schedule with your mentor:

  • Discuss your preferences during your initial meeting.
  • Consider your individual schedules and availability.
  • Factor in the complexity of the topics you want to address.
  • Maintain consistent communication and adjust the frequency as needed.

By openly communicating and finding a mutually agreeable schedule, you can ensure your mentorship journey is productive and enriching.

What if I’m not satisfied with my mentor match?

We understand that mentorship is most effective when there’s a strong connection. If, after giving it a try, you feel your match isn’t ideal, you have options:

  • Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss expectations and find common ground.
  • Withdraw your application and request a re-match through the platform to find a mentor better aligned with your needs.

How many mentors can I have?

To ensure you can provide focused attention to each mentoring relationship, we recommend limiting the number of mentors you work with to a maximum of five at a time.

However, the choice is ultimately yours.

If you feel you can effectively manage more than five mentors, you can discuss this with the administrators by emailing [email protected].

Feedback

The mentee or mentor may get in touch with the IoD at any point during the mentoring relationship by simply emailing [email protected].

These terms and conditions are in place to foster a safe and productive environment for all participants.

The administrators reserve the right to take appropriate action, including suspension or termination of participation, for any violation of these terms and conditions.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a positive and enriching mentorship experience for everyone involved.

To find out more information about the IoD Mentor Connect platform and to sign up, please visit this page.

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