What are Mentoring Circles™?

Mentoring has proven to be a successful tool in supporting women returners and women working in non-traditional areas to gain vital confidence and support during the transition back to work after a career break and is an essential element of the Equalitec project.

Mentoring Circles™ use an innovative methodology introduced to the Equalitec project by WiTEC UK/Inova Consultancy which combines the benefits gained from one to one mentoring with those from working with a group of peers. A combination of action learning with mentoring principles provides mentees with a wider source of support and inspiration for idea generation and greater creativity in problem solving.

What happens in a Mentoring Circle™?

Mentoring Circles™ usually comprise of up to 5 female mentees working with 1 female trained mentor/facilitator. Circles meet for an agreed number of sessions e.g. once every four to six weeks, over an agreed time period. A Mentoring Circle™ lasts approximately 3-4 hours with every member given the opportunity to discuss individual issues, followed by group support and members acting as a sounding board for individuals to bounce ideas and potential solutions to problems/issues.

Mentoring Circles™:

• Help women to generate new solutions and ideas relating to a wide range of work-related issues e.g. working on a return to work plan
• Are based on an action learning methodology whereby circle members are encouraged to facilitate learning through asking open questions rather than offering advice and are encouraged to engage in self-reflection practices.