Employer Organisations
Businesses play a vital role in helping us transform mentoring provision across the UK. You can give a young person the opportunity to thrive.
By partnering with businesses, we aim to grow the number of mentors across Cardiff Capital Region, East London, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands
1MM’s unique programme won’t just help your business to nurture and discover young talent – you’ll also create and strengthen community links, reach new customers and develop your staff.
If you’re interested in discussing how staff in your organisation can become a 1MM mentor, email us by clicking the link below.
“From a talent development perspective, I have been so impressed with the time and the tools provided by 1MM to upskill our colleagues. The training and online resources provided by 1MM are outstanding and will support our line managers to grow their own leadership skills too.
I couldn’t more highly recommend it! 1MM are a true partner to ABInBev and every 1MM colleague is incredibly supportive – proactively reaching out with ideas, suggestions and new ideas. We are very proud to be able to work together.”
Rosey O’Keefe, ABInBev
What do mentors do?
One young person. One mentor. One-to-one. One hour a month.
The 1MM platform is designed for the busy professional and provides a support framework to enable a mentor to be effective. 1MM mentors receive high-quality online training and ongoing support, as well as access to relevant resources and good practice advice.
We train all kinds of people to be mentors, who are likely to have five years general working experience or two years post-graduate working experience − whether working, retired or on a career break. Mentors are then introduced to their mentee, who they meet for one hour, once a month, for up to a year.
What we expect of you
As an employer organisation, we will support you to recruit and train your staff. However, we do require one member of your team to be a designated ‘Volunteer Coordinator’ to manage and engage staff internally. This will include recruitment, supervision and ongoing support throughout the mentoring relationship.
Benefits for business
We are offering you the opportunity to join our community of forward-thinking businesses and to help shape our future.
Our research shows that mentoring can have a significant impact on young people. It can be a catalyst for positive life choices and has the potential to transform a young person’s life.
The business case for supporting mentoring includes:
- Personal development for employees
- Connecting with diverse future talent
- Opportunities for talent acquisition
- Fostering meaningful relationships with the local community
Our Employer Partners
Sponsoring Partners
Canon Medical
Grant Thornton
Laing O’Rourke
Mayer Brown
Mott Macdonald
Prince’s Ltd
SSCL
Veld Capital
Volunteer Providers
Admiral
Cisco
Grant Thornton
Howorth Air Tech
HSBC
Lloyds Banking Group
London Business School
Manchester City Council
Metropolitan Police Service
Mott MacDonald
Newham Council
Oldham Council
Transport For London
The Casey Group
Frequently Asked Questions
How are our employees trained to be mentors?
All mentors need to complete 1MM’s development programme before they can be matched. This consists of online training modules that fit conveniently into busy work schedules, followed by a group mentor workshop (online).
Is there any other training or support, in addition to the online training?
Aside from the Mentor Workshop, there are resources available on the 1MM platform via your account, as well as monthly updates with useful resources sent to mentors from the 1MM team.
Is there a cost involved?
There is no cost to get involved, but there are packages that better support your commitments aligned with learning and development, diversity and inclusion, and talent acquisition. For more details contact Zahid on zahid.howladar@1mm.org.uk.
What are the safeguarding considerations?
Our online training includes a module on safeguarding, also with additional guidance in the resources.
Is DBS needed/who processes it?
For any schemes that may need a DBS check, the Mentoring Coordinator there will be in touch to coordinate this.
What is the commitment of mentors?
One hour, once a month, for up to a year.
Can we choose one specific youth partner for our employees to mentor at?
This might be possible depending on the timing of your interest, and ability to confirm a set number of mentors. Please discuss with 1MM which of the packages best suits your needs by contacting Zahid at zahid.howladar@1mm.org.uk.
What is our commitment as an employer?
To raise awareness and to internally assign a Volunteer Coordinator, to ensure mentoring commitments are met.
Do you have any materials that we can use to advertise internally?
Yes, please contact us with your interest and request.
How soon are staff expected to complete their training?
The online training should take 1 to 2 hours only and can be completed over a few lunch breaks. With modules being just 5-10mins each, the expectation to do this within 2wks is easily met by most.
Where and when do these sessions take place, and can we have one on site?
We offer both online and in-person sessions. We offer you the option to sponsor additional sessions and expedite your staff’s training.
What is your commitment to 1MM as an employer?
We’d like you to raise awareness and, if someone does express interest, ensure they stick to that commitment. Assign a member of staff to be a mentor champion to support them.
Where do you operate?
We’re in Cardiff, Greater Manchester, East London and the West Midlands.
How are you funded?
1MM is currently funded by a combination of foundations, trusts, government grants and private investors. Going forward we’re developing ways to generate income to ensure our future.
How much time/commitment will this take for our Volunteer Coordinator (VC)?
This should take no more than 2-3 hours per month. Each month the VC will check in with the mentors to confirm the monthly mentoring session took place, and feed back to the assigned Mentoring Coordinator.