Background: The Managing Editors (ME) Induction working group was formed at the 2006 Colloquium, to address concerns about the lack of a system for introducing new MEs to The Cochrane Collaboration. MEs often work in geographic isolation from each other and commence in the role with little consistent advice about relevant resources, procedures and key tasks. Existing resources were scattered and obsolete. Objectives: To assess and address the need for standardised induction documents and a face-to-face mentoring programme for MEs. Methods: We surveyed MEs and assistant MEs in January 2007 on their experiences of starting in the role. The results revealed a lack of support and information, and a sense of isolation. Some found informal mentoring useful, but there were concerns that this increased the diversity of practices. The project was supported by a Cochrane Opportunities Fund to develop relevant resources and training for new MEs, including a pilot mentoring programme. Results: The project achieved the following: a) generic ME position description now included in the Cochrane Policy Manual; b) various resources updated (e.g. welcome letter, Signposts); c) MEs selected four experienced MEs as regional mentors; d) needs assessment, evaluation documents and training checklist developed; e) interim results fed back at Colloquium in 2008; and f) pilot mentoring concluded in mid-2009 after five new MEs received mentoring visits and completed feedback forms (immediately after and three months later). Conclusions: Preliminary analysis indicates that mentoring was: a) not burdensome, and was rewarding to mentees; b) inexpensive; and c) helpful to and welcomed by the new MEs. We will report the results of the pilot at the 2009 Colloquium. These will be of interest not only to MEs but also to Trials Search Coordinators and Coordinating Editors who may be considering mentoring schemes. The Cochrane Collaboration Steering Group should consider whether the overall positive results justify an ongoing mentoring programme for MEs.