YORK Accord, the partnership of large public sector employers in the city who set up a mentoring scheme to exchange best practice and expertise across sector boundaries, has earned the ultimate accolade from the Government.

The organisation, which involves City of York Council, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, the University of York, York College and York Health Services NHS Trust, is among the first to gain the Home Office/DfES National Award in Mentoring.

The award, giving the York group the seal of "approved provider standard" is administered by the National Mentoring Network, and was launched last November.

It is given to those mentoring schemes that can demonstrate quality in areas such as the preparation and support of mentors, as well as in monitoring and evaluation.

Lidia Nowicka, a lecturer at York College, is being mentored by a senior manager at City of York Council. She said: "The scheme is extremely well-organised and very supportive of both mentors and those advised.

"I have been matched to the perfect mentor who shares my common interests and professional links. The scheme has given me the opportunity to set aside time for my own personal development, and my mentor has guided me through forward planning and my future career aims. It's a thoroughly rewarding experience I would recommend to others."

York Accord, represented by its chairman, Doran Curley, and project leader, Nicola Daley, was among the first 50 successful organisations to receive the award from Angela Eagle, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Europe, Community and Race Equality, at a ceremony in London.

Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, April 30, 2002