Mrs Kristen Keley1, Ms Robyn Farrands1
1Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), North Melbourne
Biography:
Robyn Farrands is a Senior Social Work Advisor with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), her role incorporates managing the AASW’s award-winning mentoring program, developing resources to improve social work skills and knowledge for AASW members, and providing advice to social workers on practice issues. Robyn holds a Bachelor of Social Work and has been a social worker for 36 years. She is also a qualified celebrant.
Abstract:
Mentoring programs are a practical and worthwhile way to develop professional skills and knowledge in a hands-on environment. They can be equally beneficial to both the mentor, who can keep up with the latest ideas and approaches while giving back to their profession, and the mentees, who can learn and implement methods and skills, enhancing their professional journey.
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) has run an annual mentoring program since 2020 aimed at social workers at all career stages. The program pairs mentors and mentees focused on professional growth, knowledge sharing, and addressing challenges in a supportive environment. Its goal is to foster skill development and career advancement rather than job placement. The program has been highly successful, with 1,036 mentor/mentee pairs to date, and 98% of participants saying they would recommend the program to others. In 2024, the program won an award for its impact.
The program provides a forum for social workers at all stages of their careers or professional journey, and those seeking to change fields of practice, to develop an ongoing mentee/mentor relationship with another social worker facilitated by regular meetings and discussion of matters relating to professional challenges, in a supportive framework. The program’s purpose is to foster knowledge sharing, insights, and learnings which can co-facilitate each other’s objectives for joining the program.
This presentation will outline our approach and our challenges, which have culminated in a successful model for the growth and empowerment of our participants.