South Yorkshire and District Branch

About the committee

The SY and District Branch committee is run by group of volunteer HR/OD professionals who work locally to provide you with the information, tools and events that you want.

We are always looking for people to get involved in the branch, and it is a great opportunity for individuals to give something back in a supportive, committed team. Like all volunteering, there is work to be done, but as much as you put in, you will get out.

If you would like to discuss getting involved, please contact Sally Senior  (Branch Chair).

How you can support the branch

Even if you can’t give the committee any time, there are many ways that you can support the branch and its activities, such as:

• attending as many of our events as possible (and where you book on but can’t attend cancel your booking so we know how many to cater for and whom to expect)
• providing us feedback on our activities
• engaging with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

This is a scheme that has been developed in other local branches with some success. It is recognised that many CIPD professionals would like to do more with the CIPD but are constrained by work pressures which deter them from committing to membership of the branch committee. Some may even be considering joining the committee but are uncertain as to what time commitment it entails.

'Friends of the Committee' comprises of a group of CIPD members who have expressed an interest in local CIPD affairs and would like to make a contribution. 'Friends of the Committee' will be included on the e-mail list to receive copies of branch communications including local branch minutes. Friends of the committee will be encouraged to make contact with committee members to express their views on current issues and events.

Other advantages of becoming a friend are:

• being involved in branch consultations on public policy issues
• being able to attend occasional committee meetings by prior arrangement
• for those considering joining the committee, invitation to the branch committee training days.

If you are interested in becoming a 'Friend of the Committee' please contact the branch administrator.

Welcome to our 2019 Mentoring Scheme.

The Branch continues to source a range of mentors who have a wide range of skills, experience and approaches. Some have decades of mentoring experience, some have coaching and mentoring qualifications and some have newly entered the HR profession and so know what it feels like to be starting out. All are committed to helping support CIPD members in their professional development. If you are interested in applying to become a mentor in the branch scheme then please get in contact with the Mentoring scheme coordinator  here 

What is mentoring and how can it help you in your professional development?

In the context of the workplace, mentoring is where two people enter into a supportive relationship to allow the mentee to strengthen their approach and skills in a particular area or to focus on achieving success in professional life. For example, upgrades to membership or development of personal skills for career progression. Usually they meet regularly over a number of months and the mentor will listen, offer support and challenge to allow the mentee to work at positive change to enhance their chances of success. Through these conversations the mentee is able to understand themselves as a professional at work and strengthen their approaches, tackle issues and move in new directions. Whether you are a seasoned HR practitioner, studying for CIPD qualifications or want to focus on particular areas or issues, mentoring may help you.

The South Yorkshire & District Mentoring Scheme provides the opportunity for mentoring relationships, which primarily support Mentees in their professional and personal development. Working within appropriate frameworks, coaching techniques may also be needed during the process and as such, our Mentors will use their broad range of skills as appropriate.

The Scheme also provides opportunities for our Mentors to extend their own personal development, by working with branch members from varied backgrounds.

Our Mentoring relationships typically last around six months, during which around four to six meetings take place.

The purpose of our Scheme is therefore:

• to provide a valuable Mentoring service for branch members regardless of what stage they are at in their career
• to offer a list of Mentors with a broad range of skills and experience from which potential Mentees can choose.

Our mentors and how mentees can get in touch

Profiles are available on our Mentoring Scheme page. Once you have chosen a Mentor, please complete a Mentee Application Form and return it to the Mentoring Scheme Coordinator via the website for tracking purposes throughout the process. You may find it useful to consider more than one, in case your chosen Mentor does not have capacity for more relationships. You can then contact them direct.

If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, please complete a Mentor Application Form and return it to the Mentoring Scheme Coordinator.

Further information for mentors

All applications will be considered and we will advise you whether you have been successful. Our first Mentor training event is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2016 and further details will follow in due course.

Anyone wishing to join our Mentor list does not need to have had previous experience of Mentoring. Rather, we believe that it provides an opportunity for those who are keen to develop or enhance these skills.

The requirements are that you:

• must be a current, professional CIPD member ie Associate member, Chartered MCIPD or Chartered FCIPD
• complete an application form
• understand that the role is entirely voluntary and expenses are therefore not covered
• commit to participate in Mentoring Scheme activities wherever possible, in order share experiences, participate in peer mentoring and learn about new initiatives/changes to processes
• give agreement for the highlighted sections of your application form to be shared.

Any questions?

If you need any further information as a Mentor or Mentee, please don’t hesitate to contact the branch Mentoring Scheme Coordinator.

Please note:

The South Yorkshire and District Mentoring Scheme is not linked to the national CIPD Mentoring Scheme.

All information you provide is used solely for the purpose of administering, maintaining and evaluating the SYCIPD Mentoring Scheme.