Ensuring quality in online career mentoring

Abstract

This article explores the issue of quality in online career mentoring. It builds on a previous evaluation of Brightside, an online mentoring system in the UK which is primarily aimed at supporting young people's transitions to further learning. The article notes that participants in Brightside's mentoring programmes reported satisfaction with their experiences, with many stating that it helped them to make decisions and to positively change their learning and career behaviours. However, the article argues that there are challenges in ensuring quality and consistency connected to both the voluntary nature of mentoring and the online mode. The article proposes a 10-point quality framework to support quality assurance, initial training and professional development for online mentors.

Keywords:

• mentoring
• online mentoring
• quality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Tristram Hooley is a Professor of Career Education and Head of iCeGS. He is responsible for overseeing the development of the research and education programmes run by the Centre. He has research interests in the role of technology in career development, the careers of researchers, careers policy and the changing nature of careers work in schools.

Jo Hutchinson is a Principal Researcher (Young People) of the International Centre for Guidance Studies. She is a professional social science researcher who has managed numerous research, evaluation, strategy development and consultation projects throughout her career. Her research focuses on the transitions of young people including those in the context of difficult labour markets and into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-oriented destinations.

Siobhan Neary is a Principal Researcher (Career Development) overseeing the centre's continuing professional development (CPD), workforce development and teaching activities. She has a background in the guidance sector which encompasses more than 20 years working as a practitioner, trainer, manager and lecturer. Her portfolio includes work on career management and employability, CPD and international development work in Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

Notes

1. For further information on Brightside visit the organisation's website at http://www.thebrightsidetrust.org/. Brightside has given permission for this article to be submitted to the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling and has asked to be named in the published version of the article.