Libraries Connected is pleased to confirm the successful matching of partnerships for the second round of our Peer Mentoring scheme. Mentors and mentees have completed their training and are now working towards their goals.

The second cohort, led again by professional coach Penny Shapland, is made up of 11 pairs each containing a mentor and a mentee.

The purpose of the Peer Mentoring scheme is to build resilient, strong, well-supported leaders by:

• Developing compassionate leadership and listening skills.
• Increasing mentee confidence, influencing skills and making time for reflection.
• Supporting leaders who may feel/be isolated.
• Offering practical help for example with capital projects, restructures, service transformation, working with Councillors, budgeting, technical knowledge .

This year the scheme was open to Heads of Service and Emerging Leaders considering applying for a Head of Service role within the next 12 months or with current responsibility for a major project or large-scale change. It was open to our members in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. 

The first peer mentoring cohort found the experience empowering. Mentees reported greater confidence in “pushing back” and benefited from protected time for reflection. Mentors increased their mentoring and listening skills leading to further development of their leadership capabilities. 

Patsy To, Head of Libraries and Registration (Mentee), Gloucestershire Libraries and Registration Services, said:

"Having recently started in my new role I am so grateful to have this opportunity of being mentored. Being a new Head of Service is daunting and I really feel as this will help me through my early months in post and beyond.”

Nick Stopforth, Head of Heritage and Culture (Mentor), City of Doncaster Council, said:

“I am delighted to be involved for a number of reasons. Mentoring can foster new lines of enquiries, strengthen and deepen skills, and contribute to professional and sector resilience. It is also a point in time not least for me to give something back professionally to the same sector which has enabled me to learn and grow for more than 20 years, and I am really looking forward to the opportunity.”

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected said:

“The future health of the public library service depends on finding and nurturing talent to become empathetic, strong and purposeful leaders for the sector. Our Peer Mentoring scheme addresses this pressing concern. Given the success of the first cohort, I am very excited to see the future leaders that emerge from the second!”