Note: While dedicated impact and improvement coaching, training, or bespoke organisational is no longer directly offered by YMCA George Williams College, external providers specialising in these areas can be beneficial.
This page provides guidance for youth practitioners or organisations who are considering finding a mentor or to support them in using the Impact and Improvement Standards.
Additional and specific guidance is available for coaches and/or mentors here
Why consider a coach or mentor?
A coach or mentor can guide you through the Impact and Improvement Standards process, helping you reflect, plan, and sustain progress with expert support and encouragement. They can provide a ‘thinking buddy’ and structure, support, and protected space to advance this work alongside your other responsibilities and commitments at work.
Steps to find and engage support
Coaching: Typically non-directive, focusing on helping the individual discover their own solutions by asking thoughtful and appropriate questions, active listening, and facilitating self-reflection. This approach and relationship is often goal-oriented.
Mentoring: Often more directive, involving sharing your own knowledge, experience, and advice. It might focus more on career development, skill building, or navigating specific challenges.
Hybrid: A blend of both. Clarifying this distinction at the outset allows for clear expectations and helps you structure your interactions and the overall engagement effectively.