What is Matched Mentoring

Matched Mentoring is one-on-one mentoring which is probably the type that comes to mind when you think of mentoring. One-on-one Mentoring is a traditional model of mentoring, where one mentor and one mentee agree to enter into a relationship to help the mentee develop, improve and achieve their goals. In this type of mentoring, the mentor has more experience in an area that the mentee is interested in and can act as an advisor and guide. For example, in areas such as career direction or leadership development. While the focus is on the mentee, the mentor also benefits as they develop leadership skills, learn new perspectives and ideas from their mentee, and feel a sense of satisfaction at supporting a student or recent graduate of IDS to help shape the future leaders of global development.

Matched Mentoring means an administrator makes the match for each mentor and mentee. The IDS Alumni Network Matched Mentoring scheme is administrated by the alumni relations office (with guidance from a specialist). It is one of our three schemes within the IDS Alumni Network Mentoring & Advice Programme.

The matching process

The matching process is carried out by the IDS Alumni Relations Office with support of a specialist.

We aim to match twice per annum, in October and February. 

When the alumni relations office has identified possible matches they will contact the Mentees for permission to give out the Mentee's contact details to the prospective Mentor. If the Mentee agrees the alumni relations office will then provide both Mentor and Mentee with contact details and they will be asked to make contact with each other. If the Mentee does not agree, the alumni relations office will, if the Mentee wishes, refer the form back to the alumni relations office for a further mentor to be identified. Please note that this may not be possible due to the small number of matches that we make each year.

The information on the form is kept confidential and is held only by the Institute of Development Studies in line with our Privacy Policy. 

Applying to be part of Matched Mentoring

Mentors need only apply once to be part of our pool for Matched Mentoring. We will ask you ahead of next round of Matching whether you wish to be included as a possible Mentor and if you would like to make any changes to your details. Practical details including deadlines, link to the form and tips on what to include. 

Mentees must apply for each round of Matched Mentoring they wish to be considered for. Practical details for mentees, including deadlines, links to, and tips on completing your application.

Support for Matched Mentoring

Successfully matched mentors and mentees must attend a workshop ahead of their first meeting, this workshop with our specialist is designed to help you make the most of your mentoring relationship.

Mentors will also be invited to join our twice yearly skills workshops, which are designed around the needs of those mentors who attend the workshop. This is your opportunity to learn new skills and techniques as well as a space to discuss your mentoring relationship challenges and successes. They usually take place in February and May and will be available for registration on our events page.

In-depth guide for Matched Mentoring, for both mentors and mentees. Includes links to useful resources. 

Group for Mentors, all Mentors have access to this Group, where you will find exclusive resources, helpful articles and a disussion forum. 

The Alumni Relations Office is available at anytime for help and support; where we think it relevent we can also involve our specialist. For confidential conversations you can contact the Fundraising and Development Office (FDO) via email: alumni@ids.ac.uk.

Useful links

Matched Mentoring: Mentees Application Forms and practical details, including deadlines and tips

Matched Mentoring: Mentors Application Forms and practical details, including deadlines and tips

Matched Mentoring: A guide for those who are matched