What is it and when would you use it?

• While most mentoring is based on pairs, small group mentoring can be effective in some circumstances.
• It can be structured in various ways, either 2 mentors and 3 mentees, or 1 mentor and 2-3 mentees.
• It can useful if there is a limited number of suitable mentors as it makes mentoring available to a larger number of mentees.

Advantages

• Facilitates pairing and reduces problems resulting from poor pairing.
• Avoids the risk of an overly intense or over-protective relationship.
• Encourages the recruitment and retention of mentors.
• Participants are enriched from the experiences of all members of the group.
• Facilitates regular meetings.
• Provides for a diversity of experience, opinions and expertise.
• Mentees can provide support to each other and tap into other mentee’s networks.