Mentoring Programme 2027
Programme Leads: Mary Dobson Smith, Juan Pena, Michael Warner
Purpose
To connect experienced in-house pro bono professionals with peers seeking support, ideas and practical guidance in developing and strengthening their pro bono programmes.
The programme aims to:
-
Share knowledge and good practice across the sector.
-
Support the development of pro bono programmes at different stages of maturity.
-
Build stronger connections within the In House Pro Bono Group.
-
Provide a trusted space for discussion of challenges and opportunities.
-
Create a network of peer support rather than a formal coaching programme.
This is a supportive peer-learning programme, not a formal coaching scheme. We provide a framework and support, but the mentoring relationship belongs to the mentor and mentee. We encourage regular engagement, but keep the administration deliberately light-touch.
Applications are NOW open for mentors, closing 31st October. Please read the guidance below carefully and click here to apply to join the programme as a mentor for 2027.
Applications will open in mid-November for those seeking a mentor.
Duration
The programme will last for one year, in this format as a pilot. We will then decide how best to continue, following feedback and review.
Expectations
Mentors
Mentors are expected to:
-
Share experience and practical insights.
-
Provide a sounding board for ideas and challenges.
-
Help mentees think through options rather than provide consultancy.
-
Treat discussions confidentially.
-
Commit to regular meetings throughout the year.
-
Notify Programme Leads if concerns arise.
Mentors are not expected to:
-
Carry out work on behalf of mentees.
-
Review extensive documents.
-
Be available on demand.
-
Solve organisational issues for mentees.
Mentees
Mentees are expected to:
-
Take ownership of the relationship.
-
Come prepared to meetings.
-
Be clear about what support they are seeking.
-
Follow through on agreed actions.
-
Respect their mentor's time.
Timings
October – December 2026 - recruitment of mentors and mentees, matching, introductions
2027
January: Programme starts, mentor & mentee have first meeting and agree frequency & objectives
February: Six-week programme leads check in (by email)
March: Q1 Zoom call (Programme leads with all mentors)
May: Short pulse survey/check-in (all)
June: Q2 Zoom call (Programme leads with all mentors)
September: Q3 Zoom call (Programme leads with all mentors)
October: In person gathering + look back (all, afternoon session)
November: Short survey evaluation (all)
December: Q4 full review (Programme leads with all mentors)
Format
We will gather your areas of interest and some details about what you are looking for from the programme in the Expression of Interest Forms. We will then create appropriate matches based on a range of factors.
Initial meeting
The mentor and mentee meet within the first month and agree:
-
Preferred communication methods
-
Meeting frequency
-
Areas of focus
-
Any objectives for the year
Ongoing meetings
Pairs agree one of the following frequencies:
-
Every 2 weeks
-
Every 4 weeks
-
Every 6 weeks
This should be agreed between you at the outset and can be adjusted if needed.
Annual gathering
Near the end of the year, all mentors and mentees are invited to an in-person networking and learning session.
Outside of this, meetings can remain entirely virtual, although pairs may choose to meet in person if you prefer.
Principles of the Programme
-
Mentoring relationships are confidential.
-
The mentoring relationship belongs to the mentor and mentee.
-
The programme is intended to provide support and guidance, not consultancy.
-
Participation is voluntary and either party may request a rematch if circumstances change.
-
The programme is designed to encourage peer learning across the in-house pro bono community.