1. Volunteer Overview Briefing
EmployabilityUK and Redhill School
Employability Skills Programme
Volunteer Overview Briefing

2. Role of the mentor
To provide students with a link to the world of work
To raise awareness in students of the skills required to succeed in the workplace
To suggest ways of developing necessary skills
To discuss potential career pathways with students
To advise students on ways of enhancing their existing skills
To encourage students to raise aspirations (if necessary)
To assist students in completing the tasks required on the programme

3. How do I start?
You will be paired up with one or more students by the school
Consult the programme outline to check what you need to discuss at each session
Try to create a positive relationship with your student(s) at the first meeting, by telling them about yourself and inviting them to talk about themself(ves)
Ensure that any activities referred to are completed before the end of the session
Attempt to build mutual respect and trust with the student(s), by taking an interest in what they do in school and out of it
Explain what your role is

4. Guidelines for Best Practice
Always make your student(s) feel valued and respected
Be professional with your student(s) and encourage mature discussion
Use professionally acceptable language
Listen to your student(s)
Advise, do not make decisions for them
Aim to offer understanding and do not judge your student(s)
Acknowledge and respect your student’s feelings and personal privacy
Never trivialise matters that appear to worry your student(s)
Do not promise anything
Treat your student(s) in a way you would like your own child to be treated

5. What to do if there are issues or concerns
If you are unable to make the timetabled session, please contact the tutor at the school to arrange an alternative time. Please notify your EmployabilityUK link as well.
If you have any concerns about your student(s), please discuss them with your EUK link and/or the tutor
If your student discloses something which causes concern, advise them that you will need to talk to their tutor
Do not fall into the role of surrogate parent or tutor
Please ensure that you are familiar with the EUK Safeguarding Policy (access via website)

6. The Programme
Expected outputs: Each student to have a professional-level school-leaver CV, and to research, produce and deliver a 2-3 minute presentation
15 x Year 11 students (15-16 years). Mentoring programme: 5 x 1-1 and 5 x 1-pairs
All Mentoring sessions will be held with students and Business Mentors together (at school) in a communal area, supervised by Tutor and EUK reps.
No out of school relationship building, no exchange of personal contact information. All students and mentors are required to commit to the full requirements of the programme and attend all sessions as per the schedule. For mentors this is 5 sessions. The priorities for this programme are confidence building, raising awareness of the various pathways post school and general discussion on aspirations for future career/job.
Programme Total
School. Approx. 15 hours: 16 hours on programme and 4-5 hours private study (Research organisations, PP prep, presentation prep). Mentors. Approx. 16 hours including travel and preparation.
You can find more information about your role in the Volunteers Area at
Your contact is : Di Vernon on