FAQs
Here you will find the answers to our most common questions. They are grouped as follows:
If you can't find what you want to know on this page, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
General Programme FAQs
How long will the programme run?
The first programme will run for six months, with the mentoring meetings taking place from June 2022 to December 2022. Subsequent programmes will also be fully supported for 6 months.
Will training be provided?
Yes, both mentors and mentees who are selected to be part of the programme will be provided with training and support resources to support them throughout the programme.
Is this a voluntary role?
Yes, participation is optional and voluntary.
Is there a cost to participate in the programme? Who will meet the costs incurred by mentors and mentees?
There is no cost for the programme. The mentee and mentor will each bear any expenses incurred in participating in the programme. Where mentees have indicated that they are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor, the mentee will meet these travel costs.
Is the programme open to applicants throughout New Zealand?
Yes. We will run this programme wherever it is required. Mentees will be asked whether they prefer a mentor in their own location or are prepared to travel/ZOOM to meet with their mentor.
Mentees may be matched with a mentor outside their region if a mentor is not available in their location.
Do I have to be an PSNZ member to participate?
Yes – although you don’t need to be a member when you apply, you will need to join PSNZ if you wish to participate in the programme.
What is the role of the PSNZ Mentor Co-ordinator?
The Mentor Co-ordinator will support the delivery of the mentoring programme. This encompasses supporting the selection of mentors ad mentees, managing the mentor-mentee matching process, participating in the mentor induction session, providing peer-mentoring to mentors, facilitating communication between mentors and mentees, and participating in the mentor evaluation of programmes.
The Mentor Co-Ordinator is your first point of contact if you have any questions/concerns/issues about anything to do with your mentor/mentee/mentoring relationship or the programme.
How can I apply? How do I register to be a mentor?
There will be application forms for mentees and mentors in the first tab on the How can I get involved? page. Its also attached to this email.
Will my name be made public if I participate in the PSNZ mentoring programme?
No, not without your specific written permission.
When will the programme start?
If selected, you will be matched with a mentoring partner for an initial six month period (June – December). Training will be provided during the last week of May and you will be connected with your mentoring partner by early June.
Further programmes will commence during early 2023.
How are mentors selected and matched to mentees?
Mentors and Mentees apply using the application form linked on the Mentoring Programme page. The PSNZ Education & Professional Development Team review these and takes into account the learning goals identified by the mentee, as well as the expressed preferences, experience and background of both the mentor and mentee. We will do our best to ensure our suggested combinations are going to be a good fit according to the information available.
After matching, PSNZ will send an email to both partners, introducing them and providing additional information and instructions for their ongoing partnership.
How do I update my mentoring preferences and/or personal details?
If you wish to update your mentoring preferences and/or personal information (e.g. contact details) please email us
How much time will do I have to commit to?
The amount of time each pair choose to invest is dependent on the individual goals and availability of the participants.
PSNZ has an expectation that there is a minimum commitment of one to two hours a month for meeting, and additional time may be required for preparation/reflecting.
The programme is designed to be flexible so this can vary depending on what works for both of you. Other international pharmacy mentoring programmes suggest that initially more time might be involved but this tends to settle down as the relationship progresses.
What support will I have?
Mentoring partnerships are actively supported by PSNZ for six months. Training will be provided before you meet your mentor or mentee. This training will cover the roles and responsibilities for mentors and mentees. The PSNZ Mentoring Programme team will be there to support you throughout the programme. We are only a call or an email away if you need any support or have any questions.
Where can I find the documents and information I need during my Mentoring Program partnership?
All current participants have access to the PSNZ Mentoring platform. This is where you will find resources, suggested agendas, documents and a discussion forum you can use to communicate with other programme participants about anything mentoring.
Mentor Specific FAQs
Do I have to be a ‘subject matter expert’ or have done this before to be a Mentor in the PSNZ programme?
Obviously all expertise (specialist or general) helps but to be a mentor in the PSNZ programme, you only need to know what resources are available and where to direct the Mentee.
Overall experience, wisdom, empathy and a genuine willingness to invest some quality time in another person are the core qualities we’re looking for.
What is the time commitment for mentors?
Our expectation is that mentors meet with their mentee one-on-one at a minimum once a month for the duration of a program. Usually the time commitment involved in volunteering as a mentor is about 1-2 hours per month.
How will I communicate with my partner? Do we need to meet face-to-face?
However it suits you both best. Communication may be in person, via phone, e-mail, web meeting, or other form of communication. Communications are at the expense of the participants.
What specific support is available to mentors?
Mentors are supported in a variety of ways, including mentor briefing sessions; mentor
guidelines and other resources; support of a PSNZ Mentor Co-ordinator and access to an informal Mentoring Community of Practice.
What is the Mentoring Community of Practice?
An informal Community of Practice will be established for PSNZ mentors to share their experiences and insights; to discuss expectations of mentors and mentees and any other issues that may arise. The PSNZ Mentor Co-ordinator will initially be part of this group.
How many mentees can I have at one time?
At any given time we recommend that mentors have a maximum of two mentees in order dedicate a sufficient amount of time to each mentee and to not impact heavily on the mentor's workload.
Mentee FAQs
How do I know which goals to focus on? Are some better than others?
Goal-setting is most effective when it is done in the context of a greater vision. This requires taking the time to think clearly about what the purpose of your mentoring is and where you want to be at the conclusion of the mentoring relationship. What skills, competencies, experiences, and knowledge will you need to have to reach your goal? Which of these do you have now? When you identify the gap between where you are and where you want to be, the goals will emerge.
What do I focus on in my mentoring relationship? Can I have a personal mentor as well as professional mentor?
At its core, mentoring is about advancing the learning and development of the mentee. A mentoring relationship is most effective when the mentor and mentee take the time at the beginning of the relationship to set specific, measurable, and meaningful goals. This can be focused on any kind of learning—whether personal, professional, or otherwise.
When is the best time in my career to have a mentor?
The best time to have a mentor is always now. Because mentoring is a learning relationship, it is beneficial to all people regardless of age or stage. It is never too early for learning and goal development, and it is never too late.
Mentoring relationship
Who initiates contact in the mentoring relationship?
Generally we would expect the mentee to initiate the first contact with their mentor, however PSNZ will facilitate this for this first cohort.
My mentee has not made contact with me, what do I do?
If after two weeks (following the initial introduction), your mentee has not contacted you to organise a time to meet, please go ahead and make contact with them. If you have trouble connecting with them, please let us know
When and where do mentoring meetings occur?
Mentoring meetings should ideally start within approximately two weeks of the initial
introduction. Dates, times and locations of mentoring meetings are arranged by mutual agreement
between the mentor and mentee.
What if the relationship with my mentee is not working?
If you have met with your together several times and the mentoring relationship is not progressing, then please contact the PSNZ Mentor Co-ordinator as soon as possible to discuss the situation.
Like all relationships, sometimes a mentor-mentee match may not be right, so it’s okay to say so and we’ll work with you to change things.
Can either party withdraw from the programme during the period?
The mentor and mentee are free to withdraw from the programme at any time by contacting the PSNZ Mentor Co-Ordinator. If a mentor withdraws from the programme within the first six months, we’ll do our best to find a suitable replacement.
What if I still have questions?
If you require further assistance or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us