Mentoring

We know that our scholarship recipients often need more than just financial support. As one of our Scholars put it:

‘My greatest challenge is to ensure that I make the right decisions during the year which balances out my academic, personal and work options. I need someone to hold me to my study plan, to ensure I complete exercises in a timely way so there is minimal stress.’

Mentors can play a really important part in meeting these types of challenges and developing the skills they need to be truly successful in life.

We want to expand our panel of what we call “vocational mentors” – a group of really successful people who identify as LGBTIQ, that have reached the pinnacle of their professions and who come from all walks of life across Australia. Our aim is give all scholarship winners regular access to these guiding lights and be inspired.

Our objects and operating conditions are very important so that our reputation grows. Without transparency in the way in which Pinnacle operates and clarity on what we expect from Mentors and Scholars, the Foundation cannot expect to obtain financial support from the community. Our Code of Conduct, Undertaking and probity checks compliment the other policies and processes associated with the Scholarship Program.

If you become a Mentor for the Foundation you are one of Pinnacle’s front line representatives. Your sole role as Mentor is to be a ‘sounding board’ and provide guidance on academic and related issues to Scholar. You will be expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner while representing the Mentor program. Professional manner is understood to be respecting the dignity and rights of others, observing all relevant laws in conducting mentor relations and avoiding any improprieties.

Should I Become a Mentor?

The Mentor checklist is the first step and is designed to guide individuals who are thinking about becoming Pinnacle Mentors through a self selection process.

Mentor Checklist

On each question below, please rate yourself according to the following scale:

4 = Strongly Agree 3 = Agree 2 = Disagree 1 = Strongly Disagree

  1. I see myself as being people oriented;
  2. I am a good listener and respect my colleagues and peers;
  3. I am sensitive to the needs and feelings of others;
  4. I recognise when others need support or independence;
  5. I want to contribute to the academic development of others;
  6. I am able to support and help without smothering, parenting, or taking charge;
  7. I find it easy to separate professional and personal relationships;
  8. I am able to explain things at various levels of complexity and detail;
  9. I am familiar with Anti-Discrimination laws and have no issue with what they are aiming to
    achieve;
  10. I have no past incidents or associations with other persons or organisations which is likely to
    bring The Pinnacle Foundation and its aims into disrepute.
  11. I am prepared to sign a written agreement to comply with the Foundation’s code of conduct and
    operate within The Pinnacle Foundation’s mentor/mentee protocols;
  12. I can clearly articulate the value, expertise and distinct benefit I can bring to the role of mentor;
  13. I can provide independent referees;
  14. I am comfortable with The Pinnacle Foundation conducting an independent probity check that
    includes ASIC and police records.

Scoring your Mentor Abilities

There is no single ideal profile, but respondents who score high (high 40s) and possess most of these qualities are likely to serve well as Mentors. If you have serious doubts about the strength of your qualifications, it might be useful to seek a second opinion from a colleague.

What is the level of commitment required?

How often and where you meet is a matter for discussion between the Mentor and Scholar. Most commonly monthly meetings seem to work for both parties and perhaps the occasional phone call in-between.

What do I do next?

If you’d like to register an interest in joining our panel of mentors, please download an application form or contact us at info@thepinnaclefoundation.org