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Mentoring Scheme

Would you like to have some time and space to think and plan? Would you benefit from being able to talk through key issues and draw on the experience of another? Would you like to explore new ideas and develop your skills, competence and confidence as an NHS finance professional? Would you like a mentor?

The HFMA has a number of qualified mentors on our database who have all completed the HFMA mentoring programme and have been awarded a university accredited certificate in mentoring. Most of our mentors are Finance Directors, very experienced deputies or senior finance professionals but we also have a number of chief executives and non executive directors who may be able to offer support.    HFMA cannot promise to offer you a mentor  but we will do our best to find you a suitable pairing.

 

What is mentoring?

Mentoring can be described as “a relationship in which the mentor gives something of themselves to pass on experience and knowledge, but also a support and development mechanism requiring a range of techniques and skills” (HFMA mentor)

 

The benefits of having a mentor:

Mentoring can provide the opportunity to explore a range of issues and may include the following:

  • exploring and working on situations not dealt with before
  • talking through key issues
  • drawing on the expertise and knowledge of the mentor
  • learning from senior finance colleagues in the NHS and sharing insights/ideas/best practice
  • developing your skills, competence and confidence as senior finance professionals in healthcare and enhancing your transferability and career prospects
  • exploring new and different ways of dealing with issues
  • broadening your professional and technical knowledge 
  • examining the role and responsibilities associated with being part of a board
  • understanding how to develop new organisations with no history or norms
  • learning about the political context and sensitivities and working with different stakeholders
  • developing skills in the management of staff, time and priorities
  • developing a better understanding of the NHS, the organisation and the context in which you work
  • reflecting on your own work practices and development needs and highlight areas for change
  • comparing organisational structures, working practices, strategies and leadership styles and raising awareness of what works well and what could work better in your own organisation
  • developing your network of senior finance colleagues and contacts

 

How does the HFMA Mentoring Scheme Work?

If we feel there is a suitable mentor who can help , you will be paired up with someone from the HFMA database. Pairings will be made on the basis of the information you provide in your application statement.  The pairing process will be managed by HFMA and you will be provided with relevant information about your prospective mentor and asked to confirm your acceptance.  When both you and your prospective mentor have confirmed, relevant contact details will be provided by HFMA and it will then be you and your mentors responsibility to contact each other to organise your mentoring sessions. There is no fee associated with the pairing process but mentees or their organisations will be required to pay for all other costs (including travel).

 

Who is the HFMA mentoring scheme aimed at?

NHS Finance Directors, deputies and s senior finance professionals who are HFMA members in healthcare organisations throughout the UK.  Prospective mentees will be required to provide a statement explaining their reasons for wanting a mentor, highlighting organisations and areas of interest to  them and giving information about their current role, organisation and recent past experience. They will also require a supporting statement from their Line Manager/FD.

We will do our best to identify a mentor who is based relatively near to your home/work place but we cannot guarantee that this will always be possible.

 

What if we cannot find you a mentor?

If we can’t find you a a mentor who matches your requirements within a reasonable travelling  distance, we will put your name on a waiting list for six months until a suitable mentor becomes available.  Please feel free to contact the Association to be updated this process during this period.  If it is unlikely that we will be able to pair you with a suitable mentor, we will inform you immediately.

 

Membership of HFMA

You must be an ordinary or associate member of HFMA to take advantage of this service having paid your full membership subscription at the last renewal

 

How do I apply?

Please click here to download an application form.  For further information or to discuss the scheme further please contact:

Sarah Gooding
Tel:  0117 9388980
Sarah.gooding@hfma.org.uk

Or

Alison Myles
Tel:  01380 830395
Alison.myles@hfma.org.uk