Code of Practice for Registered Mentors

Purpose

The Code of Practice provides practical guidance to all SIMe-registered mentors to ensure that mentoring relationships are ethical, effective, and aligned with the Institute’s mission to promote safe, evidence-based, and values-driven mentoring across families, workplaces, schools, and communities.

1. Professional Integrity and Governance

Practice Standards

• Comply with SIMe’s Code of Conduct, supervision policies, and confidentiality agreements.
   

• Disclose any conflicts of interest to mentees or the Institute before commencing mentoring.
   

• Keep transparent records of mentoring activities, session notes, and follow-ups using approved formats.
   

• Respect institutional and legal obligations, including PDPA and child protection requirements.
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor reports any potential conflict (e.g., mentoring a friend’s child) and seeks reassignment to maintain objectivity.

2. Building the Mentoring Relationship

Practice Standards

• Clarify roles, boundaries, and expectations at the start of the mentoring relationship.
   

• Develop mutually agreed goals with the mentee and review progress regularly.
   

• Encourage self-reflection, accountability, and learning ownership in the mentee.
   

• End relationships ethically with proper closure discussions and documentation.
   

Good Practice Example:
At the first session, the mentor co-creates a goal plan and explains confidentiality limits clearly.

3. Communication and Confidentiality

Practice Standards

• Communicate respectfully and actively listen without judgment or bias.
   

• Obtain consent before sharing mentee information with supervisors or partner institutions.
   

• Avoid using informal or personal messaging channels for mentoring without prior consent.
   

• Maintain professional tone and content in all written, verbal, or online communications.
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor uses SIMe’s approved digital mentoring platform instead of personal chat apps to ensure privacy and record-keeping.

4. Competence and Continuous Development

Practice Standards

• Participate in ongoing professional development and periodic supervision.
   

• Seek guidance from senior mentors when dealing with complex or ethical dilemmas.
   

• Apply transdisciplinary perspectives (e.g., wellness, family, career) when relevant.
   

• Stay updated with mentoring research, cultural sensitivity, and emerging digital tools.
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor joins quarterly supervision and reflective practice groups to strengthen cross-disciplinary understanding.

5. Inclusivity and Respect

Practice Standards

• Recognize and respect differences in culture, age, gender, ability, and belief systems.
   

• Ensure mentoring activities are accessible and inclusive for all mentees.
   

• Avoid imposing personal beliefs or political opinions.
   

• Use person-centred language that affirms dignity and agency.
   

Good Practice Example:
When mentoring a differently-abled youth, the mentor adapts communication pace and provides supportive materials.

6. Boundaries and Power Balance

Practice Standards

• Avoid dual relationships or personal involvement that may blur professional boundaries.
   

• Refrain from accepting or giving gifts that could influence objectivity.
   

• Maintain mentoring focus; refer mentees to appropriate professionals when issues go beyond mentoring scope.
   

• Set clear time, place, and mode of mentoring (online/offline, frequency, duration).
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor declines a social invitation from a mentee’s family but offers to meet in a neutral professional setting.

7. Safety, Safeguarding and Crisis Management

Practice Standards

• Prioritise mentee safety and emotional well-being at all times.
   

• Report any sign of abuse, self-harm, or danger to designated authorities per SIMe policy.
   

• Document critical incidents factually and submit to supervisors promptly.
   

• Avoid conducting mentoring sessions in isolated or inappropriate environments.
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor notices concerning behaviour in a youth mentee and immediately alerts the institutional safeguarding officer.

8. Documentation and Evaluation

Practice Standards

• Maintain secure and confidential records of mentoring activities.
   

• Use SIMe’s Observation and Feedback forms for supervision and self-evaluation.
   

• Participate in 360° evaluations (mentor–mentee–supervisor) for quality assurance.
   

• Use data responsibly to improve mentoring outcomes and programme impact.
   

Good Practice Example:
A mentor submits session notes monthly through SIMe’s portal for supervision review.

9. Collaboration and Community Practice

Practice Standards

• Work collaboratively with other mentors, counsellors, and institutional partners.
   

• Contribute to SIMe’s knowledge-sharing, community initiatives, and research.
   

• Respect intellectual property and give due credit for shared tools or ideas.
   

• Promote mentorship as a social good aligned with SIMe’s mission of Love + Wisdom = Peace.
   

Good Practice Example:
Mentors co-facilitate a group reflection session, exchanging culturally relevant mentoring tools.

10. Review and Compliance

Practice Standards

• All mentors must sign and uphold this Code of Practice upon registration and renewal.
   

• SIMe reserves the right to review compliance through supervision, audits, and feedback.
   

• Violations may lead to retraining, suspension, or removal from the SIMe register.
   

Why the Code of Practice Matters

• For Mentors: Provides clear standards and professional recognition.
   

• For Mentees: Guarantees safety, respect, and consistent mentoring quality.
   

• For Institutions: Builds trust and governance assurance for partnership.