The iO’s Head of Professional Development, Matthew Rogers, hosted a complimentary “Introduction to mentoring for osteopaths” day of training for the first round of mentors – as part of the Osteopathic Development Group’s (ODG) mentorship programme – in London on Friday, 31 January 2020.
The purpose of the mentorship programme is to nurture and retain talent in the osteopathic profession and provide support to those in the early years of their osteopathic careers. Osteopaths discover what it means to be a mentor or mentee and the benefits that both can experience from being involved.
Those who attended were a trailblazer group of motivated osteopaths who have all agreed to offer their mentoring services through a new platform that is to be developed by the iO. Demand for the training was high, with 40 people on the waiting list.
“Mentoring can be hugely satisfying, great CPD and can help you to advance your career, whether you are the mentor or mentee,” says Matthew Rogers. “Bringing the profession together by developing an effective professional support network for osteopaths will also retain valuable expertise within the profession and help to ensure that osteopathy remains a growing, thriving profession that is fit for the 21st century.”
A recent iO Census has shown that nearly half the profession (47%) would like to access a mentor should the opportunity arise. At present, less than 16% of osteopaths are currently able to do so.
“I’m excited to see the roll out of this scheme, as well as being able to lead my own team better,” said Sally Guest, an attendee at the training.
Steve Morris – also an attendee – added, “This course was very beneficial and I feel that it will improve my mentoring skills significantly.”
Those interested in the launch of the iO’s mentorship platform can keep an eye out for announcements in Connections and on the iO’s social media channels. The mentoring toolkit can also be downloaded for free by clicking here.
As a result of the success of the training, further mentoring training is going to be delivered at the iO Roadshows during 2020. More information can be found here: www.iosteopathy.org/roadshows