Volunteer Mentor
Richmond Council for Voluntary Service
Providing mentoring support to new trustees and aspiring chairs of local charities
This year we are excited to launch our new governance project, Trustee Forward, funded by the Richmond Foundation. The 12-month project will provide targeted training, a mentorship scheme, and opportunities for peer support to a cohort of both new trustees and aspiring chairs. As part of Trustee Forward, we are seeking volunteer mentors who can provide mentoring support to new trustees and aspiring chairs of local voluntary and community organisations. Below is a list of key tasks that we hope volunteer mentors would undertake. We really value suggestions and ideas from our volunteers, and there may be scope for additional tasks. a) Provide mentoring support to at least one new trustee or aspiring chair (around 6 mentoring sessions per mentee) for between six months to a year b) Prepare the mentorship sessions and cater them to the individual needs of each mentee, setting goals, listening to their experiences, asking constructive questions, and sharing own experiences where appropriate c) Attend an introductory light touch mentorship training delivered by Richmond CVS d) Complete evaluation forms and report back to Project Coordinator e) Follow Richmond CVS policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality and equal opportunities policies
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Trusteeships & Committees
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Organising & Planning, People Skills
Below is a list of ideal personal skills and qualities that we are looking for in volunteer mentors. We do require previous trustee experience for this role, but you are most welcome to apply even if you do not meet the desirable criteria. You may also have other relevant skills and experiences not listed here, and we would very much want to hear about them too. a) 3+ years of experience as a charity trustee b) Experience of mentoring in some form (desirable) c) Understanding of the voluntary and community sector d) Knowledge of the borough of Richmond (desirable) e) Effective communication skills, with strong listening skills, a non-judgemental approach and an ability to motivate others f) A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion g) An understanding and commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries h) Enthusiasm for the aims of Trustee Forward
This is an exciting opportunity to help empower new trustees and aspiring chairs and make a difference to our local voluntary and community sector. You will develop your mentorship skills and learn from other programme participants too.
There is flexibility around time commitment. We hope that volunteer mentors will: a) Provide 6 mentorship sessions per mentee. The expectation would be for each session to last at least an hour. The format, frequency and timing of these sessions can be negotiated between the mentor and the mentee. b) Have additional time to prepare for each session and complete any evaluation forms – it is important that mentors take time to properly prepare for the mentorship sessions so that mentees can get the most out of the scheme, so please allow sufficient preparation time. c) Attend the initial training session for mentors and familiarise yourself with relevant policies and procedures. The training session will be approximately 2 hours and there will be different options in terms of days/times, including at least one evening option. The volunteer role is expected to last between six to nine months, depending on whether you choose to mentor only one mentee or multiple mentees.
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The role will be mostly done remotely, with the potential of occasional in person meetings or events within the borough of Richmond.
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