The North East Mentorship Scheme is a dedicated opt-in programme designed to support speciality training doctors across the North East and North Cumbria. Recognising the challenges faced by doctors early in their careers, the scheme was established to provide a formalised and accessible mentorship pathway. Its primary goal is to connect core trainees—those who have just embarked on their speciality training following foundation years—with experienced senior registrar colleagues. This connection offers invaluable guidance for both personal and professional development.
Meet Rory and James—two doctors who’ve benefited from the North East Mentorship Scheme. This programme connects trainees with experienced mentors for personalised support and professional growth.
The scheme is not only beneficial for mentees but also for mentors. For trainees, mentorship has been shown to significantly aid in achieving professional goals, enhancing career satisfaction, and improving retention within the region. For mentors, the scheme presents an opportunity to develop essential mentorship and supervisory skills—capabilities that are increasingly vital as they progress in their careers.
Research highlights the positive impact of mentorship in the medical field, a sentiment echoed by major bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC), the Royal Colleges, and NHS England. These institutions advocate strongly for mentorship to be an integral part of medical training.
One of the strengths of the North East Mentorship Scheme is its flexibility. Mentorship sessions are designed to be mentee-driven, allowing trainees to seek guidance on specific areas they wish to develop. Whether it’s advice on gaining particular skills, navigating new hospital environments, or accessing unique training opportunities, mentees set the agenda.
The format of these meetings is also adaptable—they can take place informally in hospital settings, over a coffee, or wherever suits both parties best. This flexibility ensures that mentorship feels supportive rather than prescriptive.