The WiLL e-mentoring scheme was devised as a productive way to capitalise on the wealth of leadership and professional expertise within the WiLL Network and to share it among a time-poor and geographically dispersed membership. The scheme was launched in November 2010 and concluded in May 2011. The 24 participants were drawn from a diverse range of higher education and lifelong learning institutions. All participants signed an e-mentoring agreement designed to assist in the smooth running of the scheme and committed to a minimum level of contact throughout the six month period. The scheme was facilitated by the WiLL Network Convenor, Kate Thomas (based at UWE Bristol). There was no cost to participate.
The WELL Project - Leadership Foundation for HE Small Development Project
In February 2011, the Leadership Foundation for HE awarded a Small Development Project grant of £6250 to evaluate the WiLL e-mentoring scheme and disseminate the outcomes. The primary aim of the project, titled Women E-Mentoring in Lifelong Learning (WELL) is to evaluate the outcomes and benefits of the WiLL e-mentoring scheme and to disseminate evaluation findings as widely as possible across the HE sector. This process began at the WELL Workshop in October 2011 and a Final Report will be published in December 2011.