About the Role
You do not need formal qualifications or previous mentoring experience — just the willingness to show up reliably and care deeply. We provide all training, guidance and ongoing support you need. Just one hour a week can make a life-changing difference to a young person.
Main Responsibilities
- Meet face-to-face with your matched young person once a week, for about 1 hour, during school term-time (9am–3pm) at an agreed school, college or community venue
- Be a steady, reliable presence — show up consistently over time to build trust
- Listen actively and without judgement, creating a safe space for them to talk about whatever matters to them
- Encourage them to recognise their strengths, explore aspirations, make decisions and plan for their future
- Help them navigate key transitions — such as moving through school, further education, training or employment
- Keep brief, confidential records of meetings using our Mentor Hub
- Attend regular check-ins, supervision and development sessions with your dedicated Pathways Coordinator
- Complete all required safeguarding training and follow our policies, boundaries and codes of conduct
- Maintain the role for a minimum of 12 months to ensure continuity and stability for your mentee
- Uphold MCR Pathways’ values: Respect, Communication, Growth
Time Commitment
- 1 hour per week mentoring session (term-time only)
- Short additional time for record-keeping, training and occasional meetings
- Minimum commitment: 1 full year
Location
- Schools, colleges and community settings across Scotland and England — including Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Highlands, Fife, and many more
- Matched to a convenient location near your home or work
What We Provide
✅ Full induction and core training (3 hours) + safeguarding module (30 mins)
✅ Ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator
✅ Help with DBS/PVG checks and references
✅ Travel expenses reimbursed where applicable
✅ New skills, confidence-building and a welcoming mentor community
What skills do I need?
Essential — You Must HaveDesirable — Bonus PointsA great listener — able to listen more than you speak, without rushing to give answersLife experience you can share thoughtfully and appropriatelyReliable and consistent — able to show up weekly and commit for at least 12 monthsExperience supporting children, young people or vulnerable peopleCompassionate, patient and caring — genuinely want to help young people thriveUnderstanding of challenges faced by disadvantaged or care-experienced young peopleNon-judgemental — respectful of all backgrounds, identities and perspectivesBasic IT skills for simple record-keepingSolution-focused — help them think through options rather than deciding for themExperience in education, youth work, coaching or counsellingAged 21+ (exceptions apply with partner organisations)Additional language skillsWilling to complete DBS/PVG check and provide 2 referencesResilience and ability to look after your own wellbeingCommitted to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practiceEnthusiasm for community building
About MCR Pathways
MCR Pathways is dedicated to ensuring that every young person—particularly those who are care-experienced or facing wider challenges and adversity—has someone to help them find their path. We achieve this through our proven school-based mentoring programme. Volunteer mentors meet with a young person in a local school for one hour a week to talk about the things that matter, build confidence, instil belief, awaken ambitions, and expand their future horizons.
Our mentors come from all walks of life, bringing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Once registered, the onboarding process takes up to six weeks, where mentors receive full training to prepare them for their role. When they’re ready, our team carefully matches them with a young person who shares similar life experiences or interests. This helps lay the groundwork for a strong and meaningful relationship. Mentors receive ongoing support throughout their journey. Mentoring not only raises a young person’s educational attainment, career aspirations, and life chances for the young person. It’s also incredibly rewarding for the mentor.
Our research indicates that care-experienced young people who do not receive MCR Pathways mentorship support are 23% less likely to progress to college, university, or employment compared to those who do.
Organisations who register with us are automatically included in our fortnightly newsletter. We will send this newsletter to everyone in your organisation who wants to receive it.
When do I need to be available?
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