Frequently asked questions

+ What is the time commitment involved? 

You will have four one-hour online sessions across the academic year (Sept - July) per student you mentor. You can mentor up to four students - it is up to you! 

You will also need to participate in two short training webinars before starting your sessions. You can opt-in for a time that is convenient for your schedule.

+ How do I prepare for the online mentoring sessions? 

There will be training webinars which will explain how to make the most of your sessions and students will have a booklet to complete to help them prepare and guide the conversation. You will be given a copy of this booklet. The Aspire Co-ordinators will be in hand if you have any questions and will support you and the students throughout the process.

+ Will the sessions be recorded? 

All the sessions will be recorded for safeguarding purposes. The Aspire Co-ordinators will have access to the sessions and be monitoring them. For any safeguarding concerns please email: aspire.safeguarding@habstrustsouth.org.uk

+ Will I need a DBS check? 

Yes. As you are working with young people you will have to complete an enhanced DBS with children's barred list check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service before any mentoring can take place. The cost of this DBS service is £12. If this cost is a barrier for you to mentor, please contact us.

+ What do I do if I have concerns during the mentoring process? 

Please contact our Aspire Co-ordinators Camille Evans and Catherine Hamilton if you have any general concerns: aspire@habstrustsouth.org.uk. If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact us at aspire.safeguarding@habstrustsouth.org.uk straight away.

+ What skills and qualifications do mentors need? 

• passionate about supporting young people
• strong communicators with good inter-personal skills
• good listeners
• flexible
• non-judgmental
• supportive and empathetic
• candid and honest
  
  

+ What are the benefits for mentors? 

• The rewarding experience of shaping a young person's future
• The chance to share expertise and reflect on your own journey 
• Opportunities to build connections within the Haberdashers' community 
• Develop leadership, communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Mentoring experience to add to your CV/LinkedIn page
• Exclusive access to events run by the Haberdashers' Company in the City of London
  
  

+ What are the benefits for mentees? 

• Build confidence and self-belief 
• Explore career paths and options 
• Gain practical advice, skills and support for life beyond Sixth Form
• Network with industry professionals 
• Develop communication, problem-solving and planning skills
  
  

How can I help as a mentor?

For Year 12/Lower Sixth, these are the following suggested content for sessions: 

• Session 1: introduction and get to know each other  
• Session 2: exploring career sectors and working life 
• Session 3: individual tailored support for ambitions  
• Session 4: target setting and making a plan for the summer 

However, conversations are not limited to these topics — it really depends on the mentor and mentee. As long as discussions remain within the boundaries of the safeguarding Code of Conduct, there is flexibility.