So, what is Mentoring?

“A learning relationship which helps people to take charge of their own development, to release their potential and to achieve results which they value” – (Connor and Pokora 2007)

We think mentoring is all of that, plus whatever the mentee and mentor want to make of it. Providing both the mentee and mentor are enjoying it and the mentee is achieving their agreed objectives, what those objectives are and how often you check in with each other is down to you both to agree. Mentoring, therefore, is what you make of it in order to develop yourself.

Why get a mentor?

A mentor is an experienced colleague who can provide invaluable guidance as you begin your career and advance in it. They may work for the same organisation, sector or be from a completely different background. It is often better to choose a mentor who is also in your sector because he or she will have an insight into your organisation that someone else won't.

Other benefits of getting a professional mentor include:

• Access to insight and knowledge
• Inspiration to go further and advance in your career
• Boost in confidence and personal growth
• You’ll gain a friend

Plus lots more!

Who is eligible for mentoring?

The IRMS wants to ensure that the Mentoring Scheme is as inclusive as possible. Anyone from any background in the information and records management profession can apply for a mentor. Our only stipulation is that you are currently an IRMS member. This does include individual, corporate and student/apprenticeship members but does not include affiliate members.

As part of your application form we will ask you about your background, experience and what you are looking to get out of having a professional mentor. You therefore need to be someone that is ready to commit to your own professional development and be willing to work with your mentor to develop.

For more information please see the Mentoring handbook.

Applying for mentoring support

The Mentoring Application forms are available below if you are signed in to your membership account.

As well as completing the form with your background and goals, we also recommend confirming that you have the support of your current employer to undertake a mentor. This is to ensure that any goals that are set that need to be undertaken at work, you have the support of your line manager in order to do them.

Once your application form is complete it should be submitted to mentoring@irms.org.uk.

Applications are assessed by the Accreditation team, overseen by the Accreditation Subcommittee. We will take in your application, do some basic checks on your membership status, then look to have an initial discussion with you. From there we will pair you up with the most appropriate mentor.

We will do our best to pair you with a mentor as quickly as we can but please be aware that your most ideal mentor may already be working with a mentee. We will update you every step of the way and you can decide if you want to see if another suitable mentor is available.

You can find out more information about how your information is handled in the Handbook below and at www.irms.org.uk/privacy.

Applying to be a mentor

If you want to become a mentor, regardless of if you were a mentee or not, we would encourage you to do so! In order to be eligible you need to meet the following basic criteria;

• At least 7 years experience in the field of IG/IRM. If you are an Accredited member we will accept 5 years plus accreditation
• Able to demonstrate soft skills such as coaching (examples will be requested in the application form)
• Willing to commit to the mentoring process and code of conduct

Mentors do not need to be members of the IRMS but they need to be willing to engage with and support the aims of the society. 

Further information can be found in the role profile.

If you think this is for you then complete the online application form and send it to mentoring@irms.org.uk. We will then set up an online ‘discussion’ with you to get a feel for you and you as a mentor. If we think you’d be a good fit, we’ll ask you to sign up to the Code of Conduct and we’ll get you paired with a mentee as soon as we can (after some training first).

Further guidance & support

If you have any queries that have not been addressed by this guidance or the handbook please do get in touch via mentoring@irms.org.uk