BEST PRACTICES IN UK YOUTH MENTORING INTERVENTIONS REPORT_

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

OVERVIEW OF KEY STANDARDS FOR SUCCESSFUL MENTORING INTERVENTIONS_

01

Build Consistent and Stable Relationships_

Keeping a consistent relationship that respects scheduled times, builds trust, stability, and engagement, helping both mentor and mentee achieve their desired goals.

02

Flexibility in Goal Setting_

Clear, attainable, and flexible goals help keep mentees focused, motivated, and more likely to succeed.

03

Enhance MentorTraining and Supervision_

Demonstrates commitment and passion to the cause, evidenced through their service to that cause and through social action.

04

Mentor Recruitment, Attraction,Retention and Recognition_

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.

05

Encourage Collaboration with Educational Institutions and Youth Services_

Building robust partnerships strengthens the programme’s stability, especially when it is school-based or depends on specific partners for referrals.

06

Enable Mentees toBecome Active Agents_

Prioritising mentees’ needs and goals empowers them, boosting engagement, confidence, and leadership skills.

07

Trauma-Informed Practices_

Trauma-informed practices boost emotional stability and trust and improve academic and behavioural outcomes.

08

Involving Care givers and Communities_

Involving caregivers and the community boosts retention, strengthens mentees’ support networks, and encourages autonomy as the mentoring relationships approach their end.

09

Expanding Mentoring Goals and Models_

Expanding mentoring models helps youth build diverse support networks, strengthen connections, develop leadership, and engage in their community.

10

Adopt a Strength-Based Approach_

Mentoring boosts mentees’ confidence and independence while strengthening relationships through active engagement. Mentoring boosts mentees’ confidence and independence while strengthening relationships through active engagement.

11

Early Prevention and Geographical Tailored Support_

Successful programs require strong referral systems and tailored interventions to fit local needs, emphasising early prevention and building support from larger networks.

12

Have Social Justice and Equity Lens_

A social justice approach makes mentoring more inclusive, strengthens relationships, and helps break systemic barriers, creating more opportunities for mentees.

Informal Mentoring Network_

The informal network of mentoring organisations (the Network) was created in mid-2023, after the need for it was identified during a networking and discussion session with the APPG on Mentoring.

The Network provides a platform for organisations to share ideas and challenges and to identify clear asks and messaging to bring to parliamentarians at APPG Meetings. The Network is made up of representatives from a range of organisations that deliver mentoring interventions, as well as academics with expertise in mentoring. Network meetings are held on an alternating in-person and online basis every 3-4 months, with each session focusing on a different topic. These meetings also provide valuable networking opportunities.

Are you interested in meeting your MP for a mentoring session?

*Please note that due to safeguarding reasons, the Informal Mentoring Network currently only works with individuals aged eighteen and over.

SIGN UP HERE

“I found my hour with an MP super interesting, valuable and inspirational. I’m so pleased to have been able to discuss public service, the workings of Parliament and the potential of both local and national government to make a difference in people’s lives with such an impressive woman, and I’m really grateful to her for taking the time to chat to me. Thank you!”

Lavinia, Mentee

“It really was an incredible hour – Lewis has achieved so much given his health issues that have plagued him for most of his life. He is a true inspiration, and to hear his story in the midst of continued Covid-19 headlines was a real pleasure.”

Chris Elmore MP, Ogmore

Why Join?

EVENTS

Hear from keynote speakers, experts by lived experience, mentoring organisations and professionals, and other key stakeholders at our meetings.

NETWORK

Become a part of the APPG community and associated informal network of mentoring organisations to share best practice, learn from others, and build new connections with your colleagues from across the UK mentoring community.

IMPACT

Contribute to leading research into the impact of mentoring.

WHY JOIN?

Events

Hear from keynote speakers, experts by lived experience, mentoring organisations and professionals, and other key stakeholders at our meetings.

Network

Become a part of the APPG community and associated informal network of mentoring organisations to share best practice, learn from others, and build new connections with your colleagues from across the UK mentoring community.

Impact

Contribute to leading research into the impact of mentoring.

Previous Meetings_

In November 2023 the APPG on Mentoring met to discuss A Connected Mentoring Sector. Topics of discussion included Connected Organisations and Encouraging Volunteerism Across the Sector, with speakers from across the sector contributing, including The Diana Award, London Youth, The Kids Network, The Mentoring Lab, Aviard Inspires and Volunteering Matters.

Next Meeting_
TBC, Details to be sent via email to all members. To find out more, sign up to our contact list here.

BUSINESS, CHARITY OR AN INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN MENTORING?

If you are involved in mentoring and would like to join the informal network of mentoring organisations, please sign up!  Please note that due to safeguarding reasons, the Informal Mentoring Network currently only works with individuals aged eighteen and over.

SIGN UP