Mentoring Report

The Mentoring programme for new Scholars continues to go from strength to strength, with all but one of the 2021 Scholars electing to take advantage of a Mentor. Trustees would like to thank Julie Mate NSch for all her time, energy and support in initially establishing the pilot programme and ensuring its success.

The concept of Mentoring in the Nuffield context, is that newly appointed Scholars choose a more experienced Scholar as a Mentor. The Mentor is therefore someone who has experience of successfully completing their Scholarship and also a sound understanding of the basic principles of performance coaching namely: • Listen not tell • Enhance the process • Clarify goals • Develop Action plans • Act as a catalyst Furthermore, as the programme develops momentum and recognition, we now have Nuffield Mentors who bring the added experience of having had Mentors during their own Scholarship. Fundamentally the principle role of the Nuffield Mentor is to maximise the Scholarship experience and impact for the Scholar. It is important to note that Mentoring is an art not a science and the success of the process is heavily dependent on adequate commitment from the Scholar. It is also crucial that the Mentor:Mentee relationship is sufficiently well established that the Scholar feels confident and safe to reach out to their Mentor if they’re experiencing difficulty.

Aled Rhys Jones, 2015 Nuffield Farming Scholar says:

“Without doubt, my mentor had a huge impact on my Nuffield scholarship. He helped me marshal my thoughts when my study had the potential of going in all different directions. He knew when I had not done enough planning around my trips and he could spot waffle in my report a mile off! I certainly got a lot out of the relationship, and I’d like to think that he did too.”

Barbara Bray, 2017 Nuffield Farming Scholar says:

“I found the experience of being mentored helped me to focus ahead of each session. I was able to bounce ideas off my mentor and generally think out loud which enabled me to get a different perspective and also learn to take a step back and enjoy my time during my Scholarship.”

Tanya Robbins, 2013 Nuffield Farming Scholar and Mentor says:

“To be a Nuffield Mentor is a privilege, sharing the journey with new Scholars but only as much as the mentee wishes for. My own Nuffield journey has been life changing and this was an opportunity to put something back. As new mentors we received training from Wyn and a handbook to refer to which gave me the confidence to be a part of the programme. Mentor/mentee conversations are strictly private, but I know that if I need guidance Wyn is there. Being a part of this initiative has been a lovely way to meet fellow Nuffielders from all generations as mentors, but especially the three wonderful new Scholars I have had the privilege to get to know. I also believe that the new skills I have learnt and put to use on this scheme, have helped me in the other roles I have in my farming life and with the rural charities I help.” We are always looking for new mentors and currently particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland. So if you would like to support future Scholars in this way, whilst also developing your coaching and listening skills, please contact Wyn (wyninclover@ hotmail.com) or Charlotte (charlotte@ nuffieldscholar.org).