Coaching and Mentoring for Health Service Leaders Program

Coaching and Mentoring for Health Service Leaders

This program offers people managers in Victorian health services a supported environment to reflect, learn, practice and refine coaching and mentoring skills to integrate into their leadership toolkit. Through practical scenarios and real-world applications, leaders will explore with peers from across the sector, how these skills align with their current work practices.

Grounded in a strengths-based approach, program graduates will be equipped to use coaching and mentoring conversations to foster trust-based, collaborative relationships and empower their teams to deliver their highest level of performance.

Led by industry leaders, the training consists of six half-day online learning sessions, an informal reflective practice session, and peer-led practice opportunities, offering a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

On completion of the program...

This program is ideal for:

New or established people leaders in Victorian health services
Those seeking clarity around the difference between mentoring, coaching, line management and clinical supervision, and how and when to move between these roles.
Those with little to no experience using coaching and mentoring frameworks in a professional context; or those wanting to enhance and strengthen their existing practice.

Program learning goals

By the end of this program, it is anticipated that participants will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of, and practice using, mentoring and coaching frameworks and models and explore how the use of these in the workplace can strengthen relationships, create a greater sense of accountability and autonomy, and improve the wellbeing and performance of individuals and teams.
Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between mentoring, coaching, supervising, leading and managing people, and consider when to take up or move between these roles.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of the existing knowledge, skills, strengths and experience they bring to coaching and mentoring roles.
Reflect on the importance of self-care, wellbeing and reflective practice in coaching conversations.
Set and achieve individual goals in relation to implementation within their role and workplace.
Identify the individual and organisational factors that may impact upon successful implementation of mentoring and coaching within their service settings. This may include understanding how to mentor or coach through change, ethical dilemmas, or quality and safety matters.
Identify a peer group for support in implementing learning in relation to coaching.

What participants are saying:

“I have implemented a change in the way I lead from mentoring to a more coaching role which has empowered the staff I lead and created a more positive workplace.”

“Conversations I have with the team have a flow and ease which I have not experienced before, always believing that I had to have the answers all the time or I would not be a good manager. Feedback from the team who I have used the coaching framework with have reported feeling more empowered, surprised that they already knew the answer after some different types of questions were being asked of them (GROW model) and wanting to continue to use this framework.”

“Empowering people to make decisions and come up with their own ideas is rewarding and I can certainly see the benefit this has had on my team already. I will continue to aim to improve the quality of care in our [service] by having a nursing team who feel safe and confident to make decisions and know that they will be supported in doing so.”

Program content and structure

VHA’s CMHSL is delivered online over 6 half day learning sessions. A focus on practice, peer learning and reflection are significantly embedded in the design of the CMHSL program. The application of learning in these sessions is supported by small group peer practice opportunities and a facilitated reflective practice session.

Timeline	Sessions	Length
Week 1	An introduction to Coaching and Mentoring This session lays the foundation for meaningful learning, peer connection, and reflection on individual goals while exploring the distinct roles of coaching, mentoring, supervising, and line managing. Participants will uncover the transformative benefits of mentoring, consider opportunities for impactful mentoring relationships, and be introduced to the GROW model as a practical framework to support coaching and mentoring conversations.	3 hours
Week 2	Exploring frameworks and tools to use in coaching conversations Gain hands-on experience with key frameworks and practice applying them to impactful coaching and mentoring conversations. We will explore powerful questions that drive growth and connection, and establish peer coaching circles to deepen connections and opportunities to practice your skills.	3 hours
Week 3	Strengths-based coaching and mentoring Explore real-world scenarios where coaching and mentoring can make a difference in your workplace. Identify the unique skills and strengths you bring to these conversations, and learn how to implement strengths-based coaching and mentoring to foster growth and positive outcomes.	3 hours
Week 4	Coaching and mentoring through change and ethical dilemmas Explore the psychology of change and its impact on emotions, relationships, and well-being. Learn to navigate change in your service setting by understanding its effects on individuals, teams, and organizations, while applying principles and models of change. Identify potential ethical dilemmas or change scenarios, including quality and safety matters, and learn strategies to address them. Practice coaching and mentoring conversations that empower others to adapt and thrive through change and complex ethical dilemmas.	3 hours
2 week break	Peer reflective practice session Join a collaborative space to share experiences and insights from your coaching and mentoring conversations, fostering peer learning through the collective intelligence of the group. Reconnect with your peer coaching circles, share progress, and receive support to enhance your learning journey.	1 hour
Week 7	Pulling it all together Boost your confidence in applying the tools and skills learned throughout the program, and reflect on their real-world application in your workplace. Deepen your understanding of coaching approaches and explore how reflective practice techniques can enhance coaching conversations, promote accountability, and support overall well-being.	3 hours
Week 8	Practice, reflection and celebration Put into practice the skills you've developed throughout the program, reflecting on your unique coaching style and areas for continued growth. Share key insights and learnings with your peer cohort, and celebrate the achievements and progress you've made throughout the program.	3 hours

Your expert facilitators

Facilitator	Experience
Donna Markham	Adj Associate Professor Donna Markham is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, a certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. Donna established her own business in 2021, Disequilibrium, the sweet spot where growth occurs - coaching and supporting professionals in the workplace as well as providing facilitation and consultancy services. Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, disability and community sectors. She is a mum of two boys and advocates for the important role women play both at home and in the workplace, particularly in executive leadership positions. Donna is passionate about the importance of self-care and well-being. Donna was a finalist for the Telstra Victorian Young Business Women's Award in 2014 and is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contributions to health care administration. Find out more at Donna Markham OAM \| LinkedIn
Daniel Lonard	With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dan Lonard is the founder of inwardreach, a coaching and consulting organisation that supports individuals and teams to reach their potential and bring the best version of themselves to work and life. Dan is family-focused with a partner and two boys and enjoys living in nature in the hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. He is a keen gardener, camper, and focused on self-improvement. He is passionate about the changing role of men at home and in the workplace and being part of the conversation on healthy masculinity. Dan has a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography), Master of Business Administration and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (Level 2 Certification). Find out more at Daniel Lonard \| LinkedIn and inwardreach
Kerrie Walter	Kerrie Walter is a registered physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience in health care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, consultancy, project management and expert clinician roles in acute health and community health sectors, state government, and in public and private organisations. Kerrie is a certified executive and leadership coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and focused on building effective teams by empowering individuals to realise their full potential in the pursuit of optimal service delivery and consumer experience of care. Passionate about effective and sustainable workforce solutions, service delivery and continuous service improvement, Kerrie has completed studies in improvement science at the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and is a recognised IHI Improvement Advisor. Find out more at Kerrie Walter \| LinkedIn

Facilitator

Experience

Donna Markham

Adj Associate Professor Donna Markham is the former Victorian Chief Allied Health Officer, a certified organisational coach and registered occupational therapist who has worked in healthcare for more than 20 years. Donna established her own business in 2021, Disequilibrium, the sweet spot where growth occurs - coaching and supporting professionals in the workplace as well as providing facilitation and consultancy services.

Donna has held leadership roles within health services and the Victorian government, and has worked across health, disability and community sectors. She is a mum of two boys and advocates for the important role women play both at home and in the workplace, particularly in executive leadership positions. Donna is passionate about the importance of self-care and well-being.

Donna was a finalist for the Telstra Victorian Young Business Women's Award in 2014 and is a graduate of the Williamson Community Leadership Program, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership. Donna was awarded a medal of order (OAM) in 2022 for her contributions to health care administration.

Find out more at Donna Markham OAM | LinkedIn

Daniel Lonard

With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Dan Lonard is the founder of inwardreach, a coaching and consulting organisation that supports individuals and teams to reach their potential and bring the best version of themselves to work and life.

Dan is family-focused with a partner and two boys and enjoys living in nature in the hills on the outskirts of Melbourne. He is a keen gardener, camper, and focused on self-improvement. He is passionate about the changing role of men at home and in the workplace and being part of the conversation on healthy masculinity.

Dan has a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography), Master of Business Administration and is a certified organisational coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (Level 2 Certification).

Find out more at Daniel Lonard | LinkedIn and inwardreach

Kerrie Walter

Kerrie Walter is a registered physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience in health care. Throughout her career, she has held leadership, consultancy, project management and expert clinician roles in acute health and community health sectors, state government, and in public and private organisations.

Kerrie is a certified executive and leadership coach with the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and focused on building effective teams by empowering individuals to realise their full potential in the pursuit of optimal service delivery and consumer experience of care.

Passionate about effective and sustainable workforce solutions, service delivery and continuous service improvement, Kerrie has completed studies in improvement science at the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and is a recognised IHI Improvement Advisor.

Find out more at Kerrie Walter | LinkedIn

Cost

In-person* cost per attendee (AUD)

Online cost per attendee (AUD)

VHA Member: $3,150 (ex. GST)

Non-member: $3,950 (ex. GST)

*Located at the VHA, 6/136 Exhibition St, Melbourne Victoria

VHA member: $3,150 (ex GST)

Non-member: $3,800 (ex GST)

If you would like to be notified when Coaching and Mentoring for Health Service Leaders programs are scheduled please complete this 2-minute expression of interest.

Contact

For further information, please contact vha@vha.org.au