External, independent mentoring and coaching are already well established as development tools to improve performance in the private sector, especially in large, blue chip organisations.

Some large organisations - for example, in the public sector - set up mentoring programs using staff from within their organisations to mentor. Independent mentoring is different because it brings in specialist mentoring expertise from outside the organisation (i.e. not from any one business support agency or funder).

Through mentoring, the mentor enables the mentee to make informed decisions and choices for themselves. With the best intentions, people within the organisation may have their own perspective and agenda (for example, a business support agency or funder) and that will impact on the mentoring process. Independent mentoring takes place without the sales agenda that might exist with a consultant, funder or adviser - or the potential conflict of interest that may arise through working with someone from within your organisation.

While mentoring and coaching do share some similarities of purpose and process, there are some key differences in the two ways of working - and to succeed, both demand an environment of trust and confidentiality.