Local Government Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program (PSP) is a web-assisted mentoring program developed specifically for Victorian Local Councils. It enables member councils to offer mentoring to all their staff and share knowledge and skills with other councils.

Developed by CfOD in association with Triple Creek Associates, USA, The Peer Support Program tears down the time-distance barriers that often impede traditional mentoring relationships and streamlines the process by:

• Helping potential mentees assess their developmental needs and tap into network of pre-qualified mentors

• Identifying the best available mentors for your needs

• Creating your mentoring agreement

• Automating correspondence and reminders

• Managing and measuring the effectiveness of mentoring relationships through evaluation and effectiveness reports.

Benefits of the PSP for Member Councils:

• Increases employee retention by 20-30% on average.

• Allows you to offer mentoring to all your employees regardless of time/distance barriers.

• Fosters an environment for personal and professional growth through the sharing of business information, skills and best practice.

• Leverages capability and build leadership capacity.

• Accelerates processes for the identification, development and retention of talent for leadership and technical expertise.

• Increases job satisfaction for mentees and mentors.

• Speeds knowledge transfer of best practises.

• Keeps costs low and predicable - an unlimited user license instead if a ‘per person' model makes this program extremely cost effective.

• Creates inclusive work environments that leverage diversity.

For Mentees:

• Increased self-awareness and self-discipline.

• An expanded personal network.

• Support in the transition to a new role or location.

• A sounding board for testing ideas and plans.

• Positive and constructive feedback on professional and personal development areas.

• Accelerated training and development.

For Mentors:

• Proven method to share ideas, try new skills and take risks.

• Enhanced capacity to translate values and strategies into productive actions.

• Extensive information about the larger council and the current business issues of other parts of the business.

• Identification of opportunities to enhance personal contribution to the future of your council and the Victorian local government sector.

• Increased awareness of personal biases, assumptions and areas for improvement.

• Renewed enthusiasm for their role as expert.

Current members of the program include: City of Port Phillip, City of Frankston, City of Greater Dandenong, City of Manningham, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Yarra and City of Greater Geelong.

If you would like your council to become a member of the Peer Support Program, please contact Nathalie Chasen at CfOD on 03 9645 4466 or email nathalie@cfod.com.au or visit www.3creekmentoring.com/cfod for of the program.