The Diana Award secured funding from Youth Futures Foundation to commission a ‘Best Practices in UK Youth Mentoring Interventions’ report which was launched in early 2025. External consultants developed the report to share evidence on effective UK mentoring approaches, creating a valuable resource for mentoring organisations.
If your organisation is interested in discussing the report further, please email mentor@diana-award.org.uk
Keeping a consistent relationship that respects scheduled times, builds trust, stability, and engagement, helping both mentor and mentee achieve their desired goals.
Clear, attainable, and flexible goals help keep mentees focused, motivated, and more likely to succeed.
Demonstrates commitment and passion to the cause, evidenced through their service to that cause and through social action.
When organisations prioritise mentor recruitment and retention, it increases mentor engagement, strengthens relationships, and enhances mentee outcomes. Recognised mentors are also more likely to stay engaged.
Building robust partnerships strengthens the programme’s stability, especially when it is school-based or depends on specific partners for referrals.
Prioritising mentees’ needs and goals empowers them, boosting engagement, confidence, and leadership skills.
Trauma-informed practices boost emotional stability and trust and improve academic and behavioural outcomes.
Involving caregivers and the community boosts retention, strengthens mentees’ support networks, and encourages autonomy as the mentoring relationships approach their end.
Expanding mentoring models helps youth build diverse support networks, strengthen connections, develop leadership, and engage in their community.
Mentoring boosts mentees’ confidence and independence while strengthening relationships through active engagement. Mentoring boosts mentees’ confidence and independence while strengthening relationships through active engagement.
Successful programs require strong referral systems and tailored interventions to fit local needs, emphasising early prevention and building support from larger networks.
A social justice approach makes mentoring more inclusive, strengthens relationships, and helps break systemic barriers, creating more opportunities for mentees.
