GCS Mentoring Programme

One of the ways that GCS Connect (the GCS community platform) supports Communication specialists is by helping you set up coaching or mentoring partnerships with other GCS members.

To find a coach or a mentor, log on to GCS Connect and use the search function. It is your responsibility to reach out to a potential coach or mentor.

The purpose of GCS coaching and mentoring is to:

  • enable mutual learning and development to take place in supported one-to-one mentoring relationships
  • provide an opportunity for mentees to take responsibility for managing their own career development
  • build capability across the government communications profession

Please note that the central GCS team does not quality assure mentors or coaches: this service is based on individuals offering their time as a coach or mentor based on their own assessment of their skills and experiences.

For guidance on mentoring, including managing the mentoring relationship, please refer to our mentoring guidance
You can also find out about Connecting Diverse Voices: a mutual mentoring programme.

Why have a mentor?

Mentoring is ​the practice of helping and advising a less experienced person over a period of time.

GCS mentors are experienced communications professionals who have agreed to share their skills, knowledge and experience. They act as a guide and support to their mentee in a series of informal one-to-one discussions.

Mentees benefit from having an experienced person who takes the time to listen, explore and discuss specific development needs, be that career planning or expanding a personal network.

In turn, mentors are able to develop their leadership and communication skills through these mentoring partnerships.

Would you like to coach or mentor GCS colleagues?

We need more coaches and mentors to support our junior or less experienced colleagues. Could you offer your support? Please sign up via GCS Connect. You have the opportunity to pause your listing any time if you are at capacity with coachees or mentees.

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