#TheRippleEffect: Highlights from our 2026 National Event

On 12th of November, mentoring coordinators, practitioners and partners from across Scotland came together at the Studio in Glasgow for our National Event. The day was built around the theme #TheRippleEffect, and was a chance to celebrate our national mentoring community

A day of reflection, connection and conversation

As part of the morning session Alison Finlay led Reflecting on Your Ripple Effect, inviting delegates to think about the difference their work makes to mentors, mentees and their wider services. Our CEO Clair shared her reflections from her first 6 months at SMN and how investing in mentoring enables people to create opportunities that extend far beyond the individual.

Our keynote speaker, Jim McCormick, CEO of The Robertson Trust, then explored how prevention, shared power and relationship-based approaches can drive lasting change, and why mentoring has such an important role in public service reform. This was followed by a panel discussion, featuring mentees, mentors and coordinators on how mentoring can empower people to thrive.

We took time during the day to celebrate the SMN Quality Award holders who achieved the Quality Standard and the first time and those who were reaccredited during the last year.

Delegates welcomed the opportunity to network with others telling us they valued meeting other organisations and like-minded people, and the discussions during the interactive activities.

"Really inspirational day with lots of practical advice and support that I can incorporate into my day to day practice tomorrow." Event Delegate

Thank you to everyone who joined us, to our speakers and panellists, and to our members for making the day what it was. A more detailed round up of the event will follow soon.