Ethics
In mentoring, a mentor and mentee will inevitably share information about themselves. The mentoring relationship needs to be respected with confidentiality and appropriate boundaries established. This protects both participants who need to understand how far it is acceptable to go.
A Code of Ethics is attached at Annex A of the guidance notes or can be download via the link at the bottom of this page. This sets out the level of propriety expected from participants in the Horizon Scheme. Mentors and Mentees must sign this when they embark upon the programme.
Problems
Mentoring relationships run into problems for a number of reasons. These include:
- mentor and mentee having different expectations of the mentoring relationship
- a lack of clarity over what is to be gained from the mentoring relationship
- A lack of commitment on either side to carrying out agreed actions
- a difference of style or approach that clashes rather than complements
- a lack of rapport
- a lack of time
- dependency on each other
Solutions
Mentors and mentees will be asked to participate in the programme only if they can commit to the time it will take and the code of ethics. The focus on outcomes is also key to this programme so some of the potential problems identified should be mitigated.
Taking time to read, understand and following the Guidelines to the Stages of the Mentoring Relationship will also help to alleviate any possible problems at the start and during the time of the Mentoring Relationship. A copy of these guidelines can be found here Guidelines to the Stages of the Mentoring Programme
Code of Ethics
Mentoring occurs through a series of conversations in which one person draws on their experience, expertise and knowledge to advise and guide a less experienced person, in order to enhance their performance or support their development.
Mentoring is a confidential activity in which both parties have a duty of care towards each other. The Mentor will only disclose information when explicitly agreed with the Mentee or when he or she believes there is a serious danger to the Mentee or others if the information is withheld.
In the Horizon Mentoring scheme, participation of both parties is voluntary. Either party may break off the relationship if they feel it is not working. Both parties share responsibility for the smooth winding down and proper ending of their relationship.
The Mentor's role is to respond in a non-judgemental and primarily non-directive manner to the Mentee's performance and development needs. The aim is to help the Mentee to articulate and achieve her goals.
The Mentor will not impose his or her own agenda, nor will he or she intrude into areas that the Mentee wishes to keep off-limits.
Both parties will respect each other's time and other responsibilities, ensuring that they do not impose beyond what is reasonable.
Both parties will also respect the position of third parties.
The Mentor will be aware of and operate within the limits of their experience and expertise.
Both parties will be honest with each other about how the relationship is working.
Both the Mentee and the Mentor will be required to sign a copy of this Code of Ethics to confirm their acceptance and agreement it content. Please download a copy here. Code of Ethics Horizon
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