Coaching and Mentoring

Introduction to Coaching

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a process that allows an individual to reflect and gain awareness of who they are, what is important to them, their strengths, challenges, options open to them and what action to take in order to make the changes they want in their work.

Coaching at Reading

Internal Coaching Network

The University has an internal coaching network which provides coaching for staff. Colleagues who are part of the internal network all hold at least one professionally accredited coaching qualification and sign up to a strict code of Code of Practice including confidentiality. Coaching typically takes place over three sessions although there is the option to extend for a further three sessions, if appropriate.

To request coaching, please contact People Development peopledevelopment@reading.ac.uk in  for further details and an application form.

Introduction to Mentoring

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is the long-term passing on of support, guidance and advice. In the workplace it is a relationship where a more experienced colleague uses their knowledge and understanding of the work or workplace to support the development of the less experienced member of staff. 

An individual can benefit from mentoring in a number of different ways:

• development of knowledge, technical and behavioural skills
• better management of career goals
• developing wider network of influence
• increased confidence and self-awareness, which helps build performance and contribution.

Mentoring at Reading

Mentoring is supported by the university primarily as a way of helping new starters settle into their role and gain confidence by understanding the context around them. Mentoring is available for new starters (Grade 6 with a University-wide remit, Grade 7 or a new manager), new research staff and new academic staff. Although line managers are responsible for organising a mentor in the first instance, People Development may be able to assist in advising who may be a suitable mentor. 

People Development can also assist a more established member of staff who is seeking a mentor to facilitate their broader career development. 

To request mentoring, please contact your line manager if you are in your probationary period or People Development peopledevelopment@reading.ac.uk if you are a more established colleague.

Find out more about the University's mentoring schemes for its Academic Staff, Research Staff and Professional and Managerial Staff.

Details about the eligibility for each scheme are contained within the document.