ESN training and mentoring is delivered to protected areas by Business Mentors recruited from ESN business partners. Business Mentors have a range of business planning experience and expertise; for example, working in finance, marketing, operational management and human resources. They must also demonstrate the requisite personal and professional leadership attributes to perform as successful mentors and trainers.
Business Mentors will first attend a Mentor Development Course which will train them to apply their existing skills and knowledge to a protected area context. Trained mentors and protected area managers are then brought together on a Residential Training Programme, set in an inspirational natural setting where they will have the opportunity to share their experience and build the mentoring relationship.
ESN Business Mentors have the leadership attributes and well-rounded business experiences required to become good mentors. Business Mentors undergo an immersive and intense week-long training programme, which helps them to develop their skills and understand the protected area context.
The protected area application process is conducted prior to the mentor application process. This allows mentors to be identified that match the specific business needs of the protected area. Mentors are selected through a competitive application process to ensure that the enabling factors are in place.