About peer mentoring

A group or co-operative is generally matched with another, more established and experienced co‑operative. We aim to match you with a mentoring organisation from a similar industry sector or business model. Mentor co-operatives need to be a member of Co-operatives UK – The Hive team will advise about this during the application process.

Every mentoring relationship is different but all mentoring relationships present the opportunity for both mentor and mentee to learn from each other. Our mentors are passionate about co‑operative ways of working and democratic ownership models, helping you to adopt processes around consensus decision‑making and effectively engaging with and managing members.

The role of our peer mentors

• Mentors can introduce you to other similar co‑ops or networks or signpost to sources of information, advice or further support when appropriate. They can help you to make more efficient use of professional or technical advice and support.
• If appropriate, the mentoring could involve a visit to the mentor’s business or premises to see at first hand how they do things or meet with board members.
• Mentors will draw on their own experience to help you to spot problems, how to avoid them and how to co‑operatively work through them.

What our peer mentors don’t do

• They are not there to replace the role of consultants or support providers and they will not provide specific business advice or technical support which the group will rely on.
• You can apply for peer mentoring support as part of a bespoke package of support which also includes one to one direct support and skills training. 

If you have any questions, please contact us.