Process for Volunteering as a mentor for the Footprints Project:

  1. Potential volunteer receives initial information and application form to complete if he/she decides that they would like to come for an interview and a DBS check). On receiving the paperwork, the Manager arranges an interview for the applicant to meet Manager and another member of staff.
  1. At the same time as the interview, if both feel that the volunteer may be suited for mentoring, A DBS (old CRB) check is initiated. (Therefore, if you have a driving licence and or passport it is essential that you bring these and 3 other proofs of address that are not more than 3 months old OR if you do NOT hold a passport or driving licence, please bring 5 proofs of address for example: benefits forms, bank statements, credit card, utility bill, phone etc. Only original birth certificates can be used.) Please allow 2 hours for the interview and DBS check to be completed.
  1. Volunteer to provide an electronic photo and 2 references to Manager in due course.
  1. When the DBS check is returned to the Volunteer (please note this can take some weeks) – volunteer informs the office and attends induction training by arrangement. Volunteer, trainer and Manager decide whether volunteer is suitable as a mentor or whether more time or training should be given.
  1. Volunteer issued with Volunteer pack, mentor support pack, ID card, business cards, phone etc
  1. Mentor matched with client and mentoring process begins with daily/weekly email/phone all updates to Project Manager and close communication with client/mentor and Project Manager or Liaison staff and or supervisor. This is the beginning of the Probationary Period for the mentor.
  1. After two months or so, mentor receives Day 2 training subject to Footprints deciding that they are suitable.
  1. On-going training is provided and there is an expectation that the mentors will attend 3 or 4 events during the year to keep up with training. These events are themed training sessions and also Peer group meetings.

Mentoring is rewarding but also can be challenging. There is much support around and whilst we will endeavour to realise when you need more help, training etc, we also rely on your help to tell us where you feel there are shortfalls and how we can help you to mentor more successfully for the benefit of both you and your clients. We also rely on you to tell us when you are unavailable or short of time or when you feel your client needs more support than you are able to offer.