How do I access coaching?
This webpage provides guidance on how to register for the coaching and get started with choosing a coach.
Registering for coaching
We use a system called MentorNet to manage the coaching process. Once you have decided that you would like to engage with the coaching programme, you will need to create an account on MentorNet and follow the process to choose yourself a coach.
A Coaching Quick Start Guide has been created which shows the full process you will need to follow, from account creation to working with your coach via the MentorNet System.
If you create a MentorNet account but do not choose a coach within three months, then your account will be deactivated. If this occurs you can return at any time in the future to pursue coaching, please contact us at england.coaching.yh@nhs.net and we will be able to reactivate your account.
Most coaches will meet with you virtually, via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype or Facetime etc. However, some coaches prefer to meet face-to-face. If you have a preferred platform, then make sure you mention that at the outset - you may need to choose your coach accordingly. Some coaches have access to secure office space and some offer walk and talk coaching outside. Again, if you have a preference then please explore this at the outset so coaching is as comfortable and as productive as possible for you.
Choosing a coach
A coach will do much more listening than talking, and will not problem-solve on your behalf, or give advice. Rather they will offer support and challenge and will work with you as you find your own solutions. This is why it is better to work with someone outside your speciality - their externality will be an advantage. However, all our coaches are senior educators and understand the rigours of postgraduate training, and balancing career progression with the rest of life.
When you have created an account on our coaching platform, you will be able to browse our coaching faculty to select the right coach for you. We have 60+ coaches – this diversity is great for the breadth and frequency of coaching we can offer but it can be a daunting task choosing your coach. Remember the recommendation is that you choose a coach outside your own specialty, and certainly not involved in your training. You are able to filter the list of available coaches by gender, specialty, trust and geography. You may also wish to do an advanced search using key words relevant to you, if you are looking for a particular match with your coach, for instance career choice, LTFT, children, caring responsibilities, leadership, IMG etc.
It is worth saying that the essence of coaching is to support, challenge and enable you, and not to give you advice, so in theory any coach can work with any coachee, there doesn’t have to be an overlap of situation or circumstance. It is a 1:1 relationship however and like all relationships connection is important.
You may wish to view our guidance document showing all coach profiles and a simple guide of how to search the MentorNet system to find a suitable coach.
Providing feedback on your coaching experience
Once you have completed your coaching sessions on MentorNet you will be invited to complete an evaluation survey. Results will be amalgamated and used to inform requirements for future provision of the service. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised for reporting purposes. Your feedback is really valuable in helping us shape the best service for Postgraduate Doctors in Training (PGDiTs)– please do complete the survey. Thank you in advance.