In the months leading up to your return to training, and for a period of time after you return, you may wish to have a mentor. The following information to make sure that a mentor is right for you.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring means to advise or train someone to help them develop more effectively. The aim of the relationship is to help the mentee build their confidence and make their own decisions about their development and work.
Why might a mentor be useful?
A mentor might be useful for a number of reasons. Returning to work after a break for any reason is a time of change and therefore can be stressful. A mentor may be able to help discussing issues such as work-life balance and how best to manage different demands such as childcare or writing a research thesis or MD while working clinically. Other people find that they question their career direction after a break from clinical practice and so a mentor may be useful in discussing these feelings and signposting to other sources of support.
What does a mentor not do?
A mentor is not a substitute for your educational supervisor or TPD. Their role is also different from that of the Lead Employer and occupational health.
Will my mentor share our discussions with my TPD or Educational Supervisor?
Generally, no. The idea of the mentoring scheme is to create a safe space, not directly related to your training so you can talk openly about how you are feeling during the transition back to work and any difficulties you may be facing. The only exception to this would be if a trainee disclosed information about their health or other professional conduct which called into question their fitness to practice. In this instance, the mentor would be under a professional obligation to share this information with the trainee’s TPD.
How do I sign up for a SuppoRTT mentor?
If you are interested in having a mentor during your return to training please contact your School SuppoRTT Champion; please click here to find contact details.
Page updated 22nd December 2021