Whether you’re preparing for Chartership, Fellowship or want to further your career in other areas, mentoring can offer clarity, structure and confidence. Circular Online speaks to CIWM mentor Terry March, Principal at T March Consultants, about everything you need to know before you begin.
Achieving Chartered status is a significant milestone. It’s a marker of expertise, confidence and credibility and behind many successful applications is something less visible but highly impactful: mentoring.
Mentoring has grown rapidly across the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), with members from around the world seeking support from experienced professionals who understand the process and the mindset behind it.
One of CIWM’s longest-standing mentors, Terry March, has guided candidates from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and Canada. His experience shows just how transformative mentoring can be, not only for candidates, but for mentors themselves.
Below, we talk to him about how mentoring works, why it matters, and how you can get started.
What does a mentor actually do? What does it involve?
CIWM mentors guide members through every stage of the Chartered process, from the first exploratory conversation right through to the final interview. They help candidates understand the requirements, prepare high-quality written applications, rehearse presentations, and develop the confidence to articulate opinions clearly and professionally.
My job is to hold their hand, guide them through it, and help translate what the process actually demands.
Mentors don’t simply advise; they listen, challenge, question and encourage. They provide a safe, confidential environment where candidates can explore ideas, raise concerns, and ask questions they may feel hesitant to ask their colleagues or managers.
What is the process from first having a mentor to getting Chartered?
Most mentees follow a clear, structured journey:
- Initial conversation
An informal discussion with a potential mentor to understand aspirations, explain the process and build trust. For many members, this discussion helps make the whole process feel far more accessible.
- Preparing the written application
Mentor and mentee work together to refine and strengthen the application, ensuring clarity, relevance and strong evidence.
- Preparing for the interview
Once the application is accepted (usually four weeks before interview), mentors help candidates rehearse their presentation, explore sector issues and challenges, practise interview questions and strengthen their confidence around discussing their professional opinions.
- The interview
By this stage, mentees understand the flow of discussion and feel confident articulating their expertise.
- Post-interview reflection
Many candidates return to their mentor afterwards to reflect, learn and plan their next steps, including the progression to Fellowship.
What are the main benefits of having a mentor?
The benefits are significant and consistently recognised by candidates and interviewers:
- Stronger confidence in speaking and presenting
- Clearer, higher-quality written applications
- Better understanding of broader sector issues
- Honest, constructive challenge
- Reduced anxiety and uncertainty
- Avoidance of common pitfalls
- Focused, efficient preparation
As a recent mentee, Isobel McGlashon, General Manager, Mitie Waste & Environmental ltd, Bristol, shared: “Working with Terry through the CIWM mentoring process was honestly a game changer for me.”
“He didn’t just review my Fellowship application, he really helped me understand how to showcase my achievements in the right way. What I loved most was that our chats went beyond the form itself; Terry explained what being a Fellow actually involves, the responsibilities and opportunities, and how CIWM works behind the scenes to support its members.”
“We talked about the bigger picture in the waste and resource industry too, which gave me a fresh perspective on where I fit in and how I can contribute. It felt like having a wise guide who genuinely wanted me to succeed, and that made the whole process so much less daunting and so much more inspiring.”
“If you’re thinking about going for Chartered status, I’d absolutely recommend the mentoring programme as it’s such a confidence boost.”
Are there any downsides of having a mentor?
Very few. The only challenges are practical – for example, scheduling difficulties for those with busy roles or the initial nervousness some candidates feel when opening up. Many members also juggle family commitments, and mentors fully appreciate this.
The people who struggle most at the start are often the ones who blossom most visibly.
They adapt around these pressures, ensuring the process remains flexible and supportive. A small number may struggle to express their opinions at first, but this often becomes one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of their development.
Can you pass Chartership more quickly with a mentor?
Mentoring doesn’t shorten the formal timescales, but it often makes the process more focused and more successful. Candidates with mentors tend to:
- Submit stronger applications the first time
- Avoid delays caused by unclear or incomplete evidence
- Enter interviews well-practised and confident
- Maintain momentum throughout the process
Mentors also play a key role for candidates who are referred, having not been successful the first-time, helping them develop deeper insight and clarity, often resulting in richer learning than a simple first-time pass.
How does mentoring work for those aiming to become a Fellow?
Can I have the same mentor for Fellowship? Yes. Many Chartered Members continue working with the same mentor as they progress to Fellowship.
Fellowship is a two-way process. I learn from them as much as they learn from me.
Fellowship interviews are high-level, discussion-based and require candidates to demonstrate strategic insight and leadership experience. Mentors help candidates structure their application, articulate their impact confidently, and navigate complex sector questions with authority.
What are the benefits for mentors themselves?
CIWM mentors come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, but they share a few essential qualities: experience, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help others grow.
A good mentor is someone who listens well, communicates clearly, and knows how to offer challenge in a supportive way. They stay up to date with developments in the sector and feel comfortable guiding candidates through questions, reflections and decisions that shape their professional identity.
I’m 82 and mentoring keeps my brain active. It’s stimulating. I get as much from them as they get from me.
The benefits for mentors are significant. Many describe mentoring as intellectually stimulating and a powerful way to stay connected to the evolving landscape of resources and waste management. It strengthens leadership, coaching and communication skills, broadens networks, and brings renewed purpose. Above all, it’s deeply rewarding.
Five top tips from our mentors
- Practise your presentation and time it carefully
You have a strict ten-minute slot for your presentation, so rehearse thoroughly. Number your slides clearly (e.g., 1 of 10, 2 of 10) so interviewers can see exactly where you are. It helps them judge whether you’ll finish naturally or whether they may need to stop you mid-way, making the experience smoother for everyone.
- Stay up to date with sector news
Court cases, policy changes, national developments, they all matter. Being aware of the broader landscape helps you engage confidently in discussion.
- Develop your opinions and be ready to express them
Interviews are discussions. There are no right answers, only well-reasoned ones. Be prepared to justify your views.
- Use a glass of water as thinking time
If you’re asked a challenging question, pausing for a sip is a natural way to gather your thoughts.
- Ask questions, no matter how simple or ‘stupid’ they may feel
Your mentor is there for exactly that purpose. Often the question you hesitate to ask is the one others are also wondering about.
How do you go about getting a mentor?
Firstly, contact Gabriel Mancho, our expert and Membership & Accreditation Manager, who will talk through your experience, aspirations and any specific requirements you may have. Based on that conversation, he will recommend one of our mentors whose background and expertise best align with your needs.
From there, you can browse the mentor’s profile, learn more about their experience and request an introductory conversation. There’s absolutely no obligation to proceed – you’re free to have a brief, informal chat simply to understand how mentoring works and whether the recommended person feels like a good fit. If you’d prefer further options, Gabriel can suggest alternatives until you find the right match.
Most mentors are more than happy to meet (online or in-person) for a short initial conversation. For many candidates, that first discussion is the moment the whole process becomes clear and far less daunting.
