A mentor is an extremely valuable component of the support available for Licentiates on their APC. The emphasis is on each Licentiate to identify an appropriate mentor, who must be a Corporate Member of the RTPI. Full guidance on the mentoring component of the APC is available in Section 6 of the Guide to the APC.

Does my mentor need to be in my workplace?

No, though this might make it easier for you to arrange meetings. The advantage of having a mentor in your own workplace is this ease of access, as well as his/her understanding of your organisation and its processes, challenges and pressures.

However, a mentor in outside of your workplace may be able to offer you a fresh perspective on any issues you are facing. Using an external mentor is also an opportunity to broaden your networking opportunities and explore other areas of planning which may interest you in your future career.

Some Licentiates have elected to use a mentor from within their own organisation but outside of their own discipline or office. This could offer the benefit of an individual who understands your organisation, but is outside of your day-to-day sphere.

Does my mentor need to be within the same area of planning?

Not necessarily. A mentor engaged in the same area of planning would most likely have a better understanding of your role, but equally someone engaged in another area may be able to bring a fresh perspective.

Can my line manager be my mentor?

Yes, but this is not ideal. A line manager may have other pressures, such as deadlines and budgets, which may conflict with the supportive role of a mentor. However, this is not always the case, and the decision on this is left with each Licentiate.

What if I can’t find a mentor?

In the event that you are unable to identify a suitable mentor, the RTPI manages a database of Corporate members who have volunteered to have their details held to be paired with a Licentiate. You should apply for a mentor using the Application for a Mentor form. The RTPI will endeavour to pair you with a mentor to whom you have easy access. If this is not possible, remote mentoring might be an option, with the mentor offering guidance and support via email or telephone.

I’m still a student – do I need a mentor?

Not yet – though if you are working and can identify a mentor, particularly one who is willing to support you all the way through Licentiate to Corporate Membership, it may be beneficial to formalise this relationship now. This allows you to take advantage of their support from a much earlier stage, allowing greater consistency in the guidance you receive. It also allows your mentor to take immediate advantage of the free mentor training available.

In order to identify a mentor, students must be Student Members of the RTPI. Further information on Student Membership is available. Free student membership is also available to both full and part time students in their final year of study on an accredited course, or on a one-year accredited Masters course.

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

03-Jan-07

Categories:

Assessment of Professional Competence 

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