This page lists the Frequently Asked Questions for the Mentoring Programme.

Mentoring Programme

1. What is the difference between Mentoring and Coaching?Mentoring is a relationship, which gives people the opportunity to share their professional and personal skills and experiences, and to grow and develop in the process. It focuses specifically on providing guidance, direction, and career advice. Coaching is a learning technique that involves observing an individual at work and providing feedback to enhance performance or correct deficiencies. [International Public Management Association for Human Resources]
2. Do you have to be a member of NZCS to take part in the Mentoring programme?Yes, all individuals taking part in the programme will be Professional Members of NZCS.
   
   A Mentor will be a "Full Member" (MNZCS or above). All Mentors will be invited to attend a NZCS Mentoring training course and will gain "NZCS Certified Mentor" status after 12 months of NZCS Mentoring experience and positive feedback from Mentee(s).
   
   A Mentee will be an "Associate Member" (AMNZCS or above). NZCS may make exceptions to this in some cases.
   
3. Does a Mentor have to undergo NZCS Mentoring training even if they have attended a Mentoring course in the past?Yes, all Mentors are required to undergo NZCS Mentoring training regardless of previous training. The course covers aspects of mentoring unique to the NZCS programme and provides the valuable opportunity to meet other Mentors taking part in the programme.
4. What "refresher" training will be provided for Mentors?Refresher training will include Mentors getting together and talking about lessons learnt and attending events about mentoring with guest speakers etc.
5. What happens if the Mentoring relationship doesn’t work?There are occasions when mentoring relationships do not work. This can be for a variety of reasons including problems with the Mentor and Mentee finding time to meet or make contact, a lack of personal connection, or differences in opinions and experiences.
   
   The NZCS Mentoring team is the first point of contact for a Mentor and/or Mentee when there is a problem and will take responsibility for coordinating an approach to address the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, the Mentor and Mentee will be re-matched
6. How does the matching process work?The NZCS Mentoring team will match Mentees with Mentors based on the information provided on application forms. The match will be based on the location of the Mentor and Mentee, area of support required and expertise, personality type etc.
7. If the relationship is working well, can it continue past the 12 month programme?NZCS is happy for mentoring relationships to continue after 12 months. The pair should re-register with NZCS Mentoring team.