Mentoring Project Report

Many Aged Care Service Providers are undertaking their services using archaic means that are both time consuming and inefficient. In 2018, the ACiiTC identified and sought to address these gaps in technological advancement, and felt that the best way to encourage take up of technology in aged care service provision was to establish a Mentoring Program that would see those who are readily engaged in information technology in the aged care sector, mentoring those in executive positions who would actively like more knowledge in the area for the benefit of their organisation. The goal being to build a technology-enabled age care sector in Australia.

The ACIITC have engaged South Australian Consultants, Peter Gill and Natalie Fuller and together a plan was formed to bring the project to life via a 1 year trial period, with the following actions already being undertaken:
Face to face interviews and online surveys have been undertaken at the ITAC 2018 conference to identify the current industry needs. This allowed for the identification of current industry needs as well as a potential pool of Mentees.
Identification of first round potential Mentors via previous ITAC Hall of Fame Winners. These candidates were then interviewed to ascertain interest in being involved, their areas of mentorship, and Mentor profiles to be created.
An extensive scoping of activities, both formal and informal, for mentors and mentees to collaborate on has been undertaken.

A mentoring Project Proposal has been created, outlining the framework for a successful mentorship program, specifically tailored to this sector.

The next steps will include the appointment of a Mentoring Program Coordinator to launch and implement the program. Mentees will be invited by the Council from respondents who expressed interest in the survey of ITAC 2018 delegates, or from individuals on the Council database.
Areas for mentorship include:
– Technology and innovation in workplace practices;

– Digital strategies; Upgrading technologies;

– Digital governance and reporting;

– Cybersecurity practices;

– Incorporating technology into Strategic Plans;

– Planning investment in technology;

– Building networks and relationships in the sector;

– Digital literacy, from an end user perspective;

– Understanding the service needs and expectations of consumers, including a ‘technology savvy’ clientele.

Careful matching of Mentors and Mentees will be undertaken to ensure maximum benefit for both parties, and face to face meetings will be facilitated by the council.

Several mentoring events will be held throughout the 12 month period to ensure opportunities exist for the mentors and mentees to exchange in a structured context.

A program evaluation will be undertaken at the conclusion of this period, which will include feedback being sought from both Mentors and Mentees.

More information will be released soon.