The Framework – Coaching & Mentoring

The Coaching and Mentoring Framework
Explained

To embed the coaching and mentoring framework, we are working collaboratively to design, develop and where relevant implement coaching and mentoring toolkits, resources and training which guides practitioners through the process of accessing and making effective use of these learning interventions.

Coaching and mentoring are often used interchangeably, however there are some key differences which are reflected throughout the framework. The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world’s largest organisation of coaches, explains the differences.

Coaching

“Coaching is defined as partnering with individuals in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential”. “Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change.”

Mentoring

“A mentor is an expert who provides wisdom and guidance based on his or her own experience. Mentoring may include advising, counselling, and coaching. The coaching process does not include advising or counselling and focuses instead on individuals or groups setting and reaching their own objectives.”

The Benefits of Coaching and Mentoring for the Individual

Become more empowered to make decisions in difficult and fast paced situations
Have access to reflective spaces to work through situations, problems and decisions
Increase in confidence and motivation
Gain practical and specialist advice, encouragement and support
Learn from the experience of others

The Benefits of Coaching and Mentoring for the Organisation

Create a coaching and mentoring culture
Energise and motivate people in difficult working situations
Develop leadership capability and capacity
Develop skills that are not easily available immediately
Transfer tacit knowledge within the organisations

The Three Tiers

What they mean

As part of the framework, we have identified 3 distinct tiers that will each form a learning pathway. Under each tier are core activities that aim to provide coaches and mentors with the right skills and tools to explore the required shifts that individuals and leaders will need to navigate this complex and uncertain space. The framework maps what resources are available for individuals and teams seeking a coaching and/or mentoring relationship. The three tiers are structured so that they support our broader coaching and mentoring vision. Our site map provides a handy guide on what fits under each tier.

Each tier is designed to provide a critical/discrete service and has a fundamental role to play in ensuring our coaching and mentoring interventions are coherent and cab be integrated into an organisation’s broader strategy.

The Humanitarian Leadership Academy are working in collaboration with key partners through our interagency working group, including World Vision, Greenpeace, UNHCR and have already successfully implemented 5 iterations of a 12 month Across Organisational Mentoring Programme. This group will be instrumental in driving forward our wider framework as we pull on our collective resources. Recognising the need for targeted coaching and mentoring initiatives for organisations, this site hosts toolkits, resources and programmes such as the coaching skills for managers programme that was developed in partnership with Coach Mentoring and UN OCHA, that will help drive forward organisations own internal offering, additional support can also be provided through an advisory service.