Mentoring as a strategic resource for improving the quality of performance of employees of the penitentiary system in the context of digitalization

The article analyzes the phenomenon of mentoring as a strategic resource for improving the quality of performance of employees of the penitentiary system. The relevance of mentoring in the 21st century is indicated. The Concept of Mentoring Development in the Russian Federation until 2030 provides a definition of mentoring, which is understood as a socio-pedagogical technology to support a person's personal and professional development and the formation of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. An overview of other common definitions of mentoring is provided. It is concluded that mentoring involves the transfer of information, knowledge, and professional experience from a mentor to someone who is supposed to accompany and train in the organization. The directions of mentoring implementation in the penal system of the Russian Federation are analyzed. The functions of mentoring in penitentiary practice are highlighted and criteria for mentors are given. Promising areas for improving the institution of mentoring in the penal correction system are summarized: regular professional development for existing mentors in educational organizations of the Federal Penitentiary Service; elaboration of departmental regulatory documents regulating the implementation of mentoring in the penal correction system; conducting webinars or creating a specialized electronic resource in the departmental network for the rapid exchange of professional experience between mentors; development of mentoring methodologies; development and implementation of a mentoring model in institutions and bodies of the Ministry of Education and Science; development of key performance indicators of professional activities in the field of mentoring. The identified promising areas for improving the institute of mentoring in the UIS will allow for a more comprehensive and systematic approach not only to the development and provision of mentoring, but also more broadly to the provision of psychological and pedagogical support for the professional activities of employees of the correctional system as a whole.