An evaluation of work-based mentoring in Foundation Degrees

Project manager: Bob Snape and Anne Marie Reid

Tel ext: 01204 903 609

e-mail address:

r.snape@bolton.ac.uk| and a.reid@bolton.ac.uk|

The objectives of the research are.

i) To identify good practice in work-based mentoring through a comparison of foundation degree delivery in a private /public (SME) context and a public (large scale) organisation.

ii) To investigate the impact on the quality and effectiveness of work-based mentoring of differing work place structures (i.e. large / small or medium size organisation).

iii) To identify barriers and challenges to work-based mentoring

iv) To investigate and recommend approaches to practice which may overcome perceived and actual barriers and challenges to work-based mentoring.

The unique approach to work-based learning offered by the foundation degree is an integration of theory and practice, which exploits learning opportunities in the workplace, underpinned by a breadth and depth of academic knowledge beyond that of traditional HNC/HND provision. However, the model proposed by HEFCE has been adopted in very different ways and different settings partly determined by the engagement of employers and resources available.

This evaluative study aims to investigate the workplace mentoring and assessment of a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care delivered in large organisations within the public sector, and a Foundation Degree in Sport and Fitness Management delivered in small / medium size public sector facilities and in SMEs within the private sector. Experience of foundation degree delivery within the university has exposed significant degrees of variation in the quality and effectiveness of work based mentoring. This pattern is reflected in foundation degree delivery in general and has recently been noted in a QAA which noted that the role of work-based mentors remained in an early formative stage, with variations in the role of mentors depending on the employment sector involved and the size of work-based learning sites. It is this emerging challenge that the proposed research aims to address through an evaluative comparison of methods of employer engagement in the mentoring process with the aim of developing good practice which may be applied to a variety of settings.

The results of the research will enhance the quality and effectiveness of foundation degrees delivered by the University of Bolton and will also, being of generic relevance and application, enhance provision regionally and nationally.

Academic departments the project sits within:

Sport, Leisure and Tourism Management with Health and Social Care

Funder(s):

Foundation Degrees Forward