Mentoring program agreement
Thank you for your interest in the AIFST Mentoring program pilot. This program has been designed to provide opportunities for members to learn from others in the food science, technology and innovation sector. Mentoring can improve employability skills, assist with building professional networks and provide peer learning opportunities. Registrations will be open until Monday 21 August 2017, successful applicants will be notified shortly after this time.
The program is not intended to teach technical skills, be used for job hunting or recruitment, to help with personal problems or to provide cheap labour.
Mentors/Mentees are asked to read the following information carefully and if acceptable, to return their signed agreement to the AIFST.
Eligibility
Mentors/mentees must be financial members of the Institute to take part in the program. They must be over 18 years of age. The AIFST is not able to offer any financial support for travel expenses or incidentals for those taking part in the program.
Commitment
The AIFST pilot mentoring program will commence on 1September 2017 and run to the 17 November 2017. Mentors/mentees acknowledge these timings and are able to commit at least 1 hour a week to the program. Mentoring program itineraries have been designed to support both mentors and mentees on a week by week basis.
Participants are asked that they be available for the following dates (the induction session is mandatory, other sessions will be accessible via conference call although in person attendance is encouraged).
Key dates:
3pm – 6pm1 September 2017: Induction session
5.30pm – 7pm12 October 2017:Mentee check-in session
5.30pm – 7pm 13 October 2017:Mentor check-in session
5.30pm – 7pm27 November 2017: Wrap up function
Disclaimer
The AIFST mentoring program is designed to connect mentors and mentees together only. AIFST shall not be responsible or liable for any outcomes that may develop directly or indirectly from the mentor/mentee relationship, any advice and/or information communicated between mentor/mentee.
Confidentiality
Mentors/mentees should not disclose any commercially sensitive information during the course of the program. Please do not disclose private information relating to business or business practices.
Any and all communication (including emails and shared documents) between mentors/mentees should be treated as sensitive and confidential. If you feel that a breach has occurred, please contact the AIFST immediately.
Code of Conduct
This is a voluntary program and there will be no remuneration for participation. This extends to the giving of money, gifts or the exchange of goods or services. Mentees are asked to be mindful that Mentors have volunteered their time and to be respectful of timings and meeting arrangements.
The AIFST has a strict policy of no bullying, abuse, discrimination or misconduct and failure to abide by this may result in termination from the program and further action if necessary.
Mentors/mentees agree to enter into the mentoring relationship with a commitment to a supportive, fair and respectful environment.
Conflict resolution policy
Although every effort will be made to match mentors and mentees,it is possible that not every pairing will be completely cohesive and positive. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework to resolve any differences informally between the two parties.
Step 1: Aim to resolve the matter informally, where possible.
Step 2: If an informal discussion does not rectify the situation, please contact the General Manager – Membership Services (Shona Gawel, telephone 02 9394 8654)for a confidential discussion. Further training may be offered to the parties involved to assist with a resolution.
Step 3: A conflict resolution meeting may be called in which discussion will be mediated.
Safeguarding
Mentors and mentees are asked to maintain professional boundaries at all times. If you have concerns about the health and well-being of your mentor/mentee, please do not attempt to offer counselling or medical advice. Please report concerns to the General Manager – Membership Services(Shona Gawel, telephone 020 9394 8654).
Withdrawal/termination from program
If either partywishes to withdraw, they are asked to contact the AIFST immediately via .
The AIFST reserves the right to terminate any mentor/mentee relationship at any point if it is believed not to be in line with the core values of the Institute and aims of the program.
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