Welcome to the TrewLink Mentorship Programme
Mentoring – the WHY
The TrewLink Mentorship Programme is a new TrewLink initiative that matches experienced UK-based international medical graduates (IMGs) with less experienced fellow IMGs who have just begun their UK journey or reached a certain stage in the NHS career but need help and guidance to progress further.
The purpose of our programme is to connect IMGs and tap into the existing knowledge and experience of UK-based IMGs and transfer these skills to newer or less experienced IMGs in order to advance their NHS careers.
TrewLink can ensure that its mentoring programme meets best practice standards and delivers its key objectives:
The TrewLink Mentorship Programme is mentee-led, which means that the mentees are able to set the agenda of the meetings and freely choose their mentor. We believe this will allow the mentee to advance their own personal development and help them feel empowered in achieving their goals.
Our Mentorship Programme provides training opportunities to mentors, including CPD points and a certificate of completion. We hold supervisory groups between mentors on a monthly basis to ensure better mentoring outcomes. We also encourage reflective practices, such as regular feedback from both mentors and mentees.
We establish clear boundaries, clear goals and outcomes, and manage expectations. Our mentoring contract will include the frequency and timing of the meetings, expected duration of the relationship, modes of allowed communication, whether the mentor will provide clinical advice, act as a referee, or intervene on the behalf of the mentee.
We value safety. This is why we emphasise the importance of trusting relations and open, yet confidential, communication.
Mentoring – the HOW
We have built our Mentorship Programme around four main stages: Introduction, Mentor-mentee match, Mentoring and Closure.
Introduction meeting. This is the first touchpoint with the mentee and mentor. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce a mentor and a mentee to each other and establish the needs and requirements of both.
Mentor-mentee match. We then need to determine whether there is a fit between mentee's and mentor's goals, and the objectives of the mentoring programme. At this stage, we also complete the qualifying paperwork, onboard onto systems, and deliver any training required.
Mentoring stage. Here we are to check the fulfilment of regular and irregular services for the mentors and mentees based around mentees' needs. This would require filling out short reports of the sessions. If needed, we manage any queries and complaints.
Bringing to a close. At the final stage of the programme, we conclude the mentoring relationship, conduct exit surveys and generate mentoring reports and documents.
Why do UK-based IMGs want to mentor?
We believe that everyone has their own motivation. However, as a rule, mentors genuinely want to help less experienced fellow colleagues.
TrewLink mentors are very well aware of the steps IMGs have to go through to work in the UK. Some received help back in their journey and now they would like to give back by helping others.
Becoming a mentor can enrich your life on a personal and professional level by helping you build your leadership and communication skills, learn new perspectives, advance your careers and gain personal satisfaction. It can be very personally fulfilling to know that you have directly contributed to someone’s growth and development. Seeing your mentee succeed as a result of your input is a reward in itself.
Meet our Mentors
We are excited to introduce our mentors from our first batch.
All our mentors are experienced UK-based IMGs, who are ready to share their knowledge and support you throughout your UK journey. Our mentors attended our interactive and practical full-day 'Train the Mentor' course delivered by a certified mentor, medical educator and NHS consultant. Together, we bring our vision and mission to life - creating a home away from home for IMGs.
If you are a mentee who has been selected for the TrewLink Mentorship Programme, please let us know your preferred mentor choice and we will arrange an introduction meeting with your mentor.
Would you like to become a mentor?
To join our Mentorship Programme as a mentor and apply for the 2022 batch, you need to meet three simple requirements:
Be an International Medical Graduate (IMG)
Be registered on TrewLink.com
Be working or have worked in the NHS for at least 3 months.
If you meet the requirements, click here. You will be referred to fill out the application form. After submitting the form, one of our team members will contact you once the next batch of the Mentorship Programme is due to launch.
Would you like to become a mentee?
To join our Mentorship Programme as a mentee and apply for the 2022 batch, you need to meet three simple requirements:
Be an International Medical Graduate (IMG)
Be registered on TrewLink.com
Be planning on working in the NHS in the future.
If you feel that you need support and guidance on your way to becoming a doctor in the NHS, please click here. You will be referred to fill out the application form. After submitting the form, one of our team members will contact you once the next batch of the Mentorship Programme is due to launch.
If you have any questions regarding our programme or would like to leave feedback, please contact us.
TrewLink is a peer-to-peer support platform for IMGs entering the NHS and the UK. We provide access to trusted information, mentors, and service providers all in one place.