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A Practical Guide to Mentoring
By David Kay and Roger Hinds

As David Kay and Roger Hinds explain in their guide, “coaching and mentoring are invaluable tools in staff development”. Mentoring is increasingly used in a wide variety of organisations, and the benefits are clear. Staff who feel they are reaching their full potential will be more fulfilled and, therefore, more motivated.

Mentoring can assist staff
at all levels, such as new members of the team, those undergoing training and even senior members of staff. As Kay and Hinds assert, joining a new organisation or beginning a new role can be challenging, and mentoring “can be of invaluable help” in supporting staff during these times. New members of staff find their feet more quickly, trainees are supported, and senior members of staff can also benefit from mentoring during periods of change or development within the organisation. Kay and Hinds give a firm insight into how and why mentoring is being so widely used within businesses.

This guide is a must-have for anyone considering becoming a mentor, or even those contemplating using mentoring within their business. The book is full of practical, useful information on the realities, the benefits, the pitfalls and the requirements of mentoring. It provides a complete guide to each step of the process, from the qualities needed to be a good mentor, to preparing yourself for the role, planning the first meeting and establishing a relationship with the mentee. The book even covers the best way to end the mentoring relationship.

The information, acquired
through the authors’ vast practical experience and knowledge of mentoring, is usefully laid out in bite-sized sections, including helpful bulleted summaries at the end of each chapter. The simple and accessible layout makes this book an ideal reference guide that can be used during the entire mentoring process. The authors provide a taste of real-life mentoring with useful scenarios and possible ways to approach them. These cover a broad spectrum, including mentoring members of senior management, members of staff with little ambition, and newly-joined members of the team.

The book provides a flavour of each aspect of mentoring, teaching you how to understand people and the external factors that may affect them, and how to make them feel at ease. The authors discuss the responsibilities that come with the role, and the importance of offering support without simply imposing your own views. In this incredibly detailed book, a plethora of additional information is provided, such as the formal qualifications that can be achieved in mentoring, and an additional section on coaching and its distinctions.

As the authors say, mentoring is
suitable for all organisations. A variety of scenarios and types of mentees are covered within the book, from qualified to unqualified, low level to management level. The book explains that the benefits of mentoring are boundless. A team that feels fulfilled and supported will be happier and more committed to your business, improving staff retention and motivation. New members of staff will slot more easily into their roles, and staff potential can be unlocked, helping them to become vital members of the team.

While not aimed specifically at the
veterinary industry, the tips and advice within this book can be applied to all industries, making this an invaluable guide for anyone interested in mentoring.

Author: David Kay & Roger Hinds
Publisher: How To Books
Price: £8.99

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.