Coaching and mentoring programmes are development approaches which typically involve one-to-one conversations to help enhance employees’ skills, knowledge and career progression.
The terms ‘coaching’ and ‘mentoring’ are often used interchangeably, however there are some differences:
Coaching
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A thinking partnership and someone to share ideas with in a structured setting
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Usually short-term
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Usually more structured towards certain goals or areas of development
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Helps staff member to identify their own solutions
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Coaching is not determined by the experience level of the coach, it can also be delivered by a peer
Mentoring
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On-going relationship, often more long-term and takes a broader view of the person
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Can be formal or informal
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The mentor will share their ideas and experience
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Mentor is usually more experienced and qualified than the client
There are many benefits of coaching and mentoring programmes within health and social care settings.
Research conducted within the NHS found that these schemes facilitated improvements for both employees and the wider organisation. It offers employees an opportunity to enhance work performance and feel valued within their role, which in turn has a positive effect on patient care. The bi-directional benefits of these programmes are increasingly recognised, with positives experiences reported by both mentors and mentees. These schemes can also enable wider cultural change, which can further promote staff wellbeing.
Some mentoring/coaching schemes are focussed on speciality areas, for example they may focus on different professions (e.g. nursing) or for under-represented groups (e.g. BAME, LGBTQ+, disability). Some mentoring schemes also aim to promote inclusion and equality within leadership roles in the NHS.
Type of scheme where someone in a more senior position is mentored by someone more junior than themselves. The aim is to promote leaders’ understanding of the challenges faced by those in more junior roles while also developing the leadership skills of employees in more junior position. These schemes usually link senior mentees with junior mentors from minority groups.
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The NHS London Leadership has produced a guide outlining tips and best practice for those aiming to get involved in the delivery of coaching or mentoring.
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Coaching and Mentory for leaders (Our NHS People) allows NHS and Social Care leaders to access coaching support
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NHS England - Looking after you too - Coaching support for those in primary care settings working in clinical or none clinical roles
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Reciprocal Mentoring for Inclusion programme - Leadership Academy Mentoring schemes for those from minority groups
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A preliminary case study written by two mentors within a BAME reverse mentoring scheme in SLAM NHS Trust