Voices from the Other Side of Mentoring: A phenomenological study into the experience of what it is being a Mentoring Programme Coordinator

This study investigates the lived experiences of mentoring programme coordinators tasked with implementing and managing formal mentoring schemes across various organisational sectors. Through a phenomenological approach to data collection and analysis, drawing on Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenology, this research enriches academic discourse by developing a detailed conceptual framework that elucidates the mentoring coordinator’s role, responsibilities, and significance. While much of the existing literature focuses on mentees, mentors, and organisational outcomes, this study addresses a critical gap by highlighting the essential yet often overlooked contributions of coordinators. By conducting in-depth interviews, the research captures the complexities, challenges, and rewarding aspects of the role. These findings emphasise the pivotal contributions of coordinators in ensuring programme success and sustainability.