A good ending can help both you and your mentor put what you’ve learned into action. This factsheet will help you think about how to approach this important part of the mentoring process.
Talking about the end
Set a deadline – Agreeing an end date at the beginning of your mentoring relationship can shape your work together, giving it structure and purpose, and a timeframe. How long you spend together will depend on what you want to achieve and the availability of your mentor. It can be anything from three months to a year.
Be aware of change – If you feel the relationship is petering out, have a think about why this might be happening. Perhaps your mentor has had a change in circumstances? Or your goals have changed? Do discuss the prospect of ending your work together. Try not to worry or take it personally if the relationship does end earlier than planned.
Discuss the end in plenty of time – Around three-quarters of the way through your agreed timeframe, have a think if this still feels like a good time to end. If you’d like to continue, chat with your mentor about whether they’re able or willing to extend the mentoring. The maximum length of time for a CharityComms mentoring relationship is usually one year. After that we’ll automatically email you both an evaluation form. Get in touch if you want to finish before this so we can send you your evaluation form.
Before the final meeting
Look over the CharityComms evaluation form – Use the CharityComms evaluation form to help you think about how the process has been and what you might want to discuss in your last meeting.
Think about how you’ve changed – Write down some notes about how you think you’ve changed and any new skills that you’ve developed during your mentoring. Make a note to ask your mentor for feedback about any changes they have noticed.
The final meeting
Discuss your achievements – Talk to your mentor about what you’ve achieved together. Consider all the different ways that your mentor has helped you. Let them know what has worked well – and what hasn’t – and thank them for the experience. Don’t forget to ask what they’ve gained from working with you too.
Talk about the future – Discuss what else you want to do professionally and how what you have learnt though the mentoring process might help you do this. It’s a good idea to consider whether you’ll keep in touch and how.
After the final meeting
Contact CharityComms – Please send us your completed evaluation form. And, if you want to, get in touch to discuss how you’ve found the process.
Read more top tips and guidance about being a mentor in our mentee resources section.