Part I: The Social Mentor Programme.
Scope, aims and objectives
The Social Mentor Programme is a service provided by Comhairle to the voluntary and community sector. It involves placing the skilled expertise of volunteer mentors with organisations who wish to benefit from them. It aims to provide a learning opportunity for organisations to develop their resource capabilities in a positive and encouraging environment.
Mentors are obliged to operate in a non-executive capacity at all times and are bound by a strict code of confidentiality. A mentor must have expertise in a particular area which he/she is happy to share with voluntary/community organisations.
Criteria
In order to avail of the programme, organisations must operate in the voluntary and community sector and present a request that relates to organisational development (e.g. strategic planning, public relations/marketing, financial management).
Who may apply
The programme is available to organisations operating a social service that benefits the community/society. Organisations may be national, regional or community-based.
Information required by applicants
Applicant organisations must complete an application form in which they provide information about their organisation and a detailed outline of their perceived needs.
Applicant mentors must complete an application form naming two referees
How decisions are made
Applications are presented to a quarterly meeting of the Mentor Panel which is composed of volunteer experts. Organisations are assigned a mentor on the basis of availability of a mentor to match the needs profile of the applicant organisation.
For applicant mentors the selection process includes the successful completion of an induction course
Communication with applicants
The Co-ordinator of the Social Mentor Programme is responsible for putting in place effective communication processes between the organisation and the assigned mentor. This takes the form of regular meetings and submission of progress reports.
Information on the Social Mentor Programme is available from:
Social Mentor Co-ordinator
Comhairle
Tallaght Regional Office
Hainault House
The Square
Tallaght
Dublin 24.
Tel: 01 462 0444
E-mail: comhairle@comhairle.ie
