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How to apply and start mentoring
We’ll make it as simple as possible to apply, get through training and start supporting your Little Londoner.
You can submit your application through our website. We’ll review your application within 72 hours and we take the time to come back to everyone who applies.
Sometimes our emails can go into your junk mail – so please keep an eye out, and email us on info@thekidsnetwork.org.uk if you don’t hear from us.
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THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND
Some important things to consider when you apply:
Location.
We currently only operate in London. Please make sure you’re able to travel to your mentee for your agreed activities once a week.
Your motivations.
Please give us some detail in your application about why you want to volunteer for The Kids Network and particularly your interest in supporting a Little Londoner.
Your personal story.
You don’t need previous experience, but please do tell us about your communications skills and your curiosity to learn – and please highlight if you feel you may have similar experiences to the children we support so we can use that to match you.
The interview & screening process
Book your interview.
If your application is successful, we’ll send you a link to book an interview slot. Please choose within 3-5 working days of receiving the link.
Training.
If successful at interview, you’ll attend our onboarding training before you’re matched with a child. We run training every 3 weeks. We look for all applications to attend within 8 weeks of applying – we can finalise the details with you at interview
Reference checks.
We need to carry out DBS and reference checks for all our volunteers as part of our safer recruitment process. We will invite you to start the referencing checks after interview.
DBS checks.
The DBS check comes after training. For the check you will need to have 3 forms of ID in accordance with Gov guidelines. Once you receive your DBS, please keep it in a safe place. It’s a legal document and our partner schools may ask to see a physical copy. We cover the cost of checks.
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Working as a mentor (the best bit!)
Matching.
After training, and once all of your checks come back (these can take a while!) we will match you with a child who really needs your support. We make introductions during school time, so you will need to be able to make time during the day Mon-Fri. The matching should be made within 4 weeks of training.
Mentoring.
After your matching, all sessions will take place outside of school hours. You’re free to establish what times work best for you during the onboarding process.
Support.
We’ll issue you with a volunteer handbook and a dedicated member of staff to guide you all the way along your journey.
Community platform.
Once you’re matched, you will be added to our community platform where you can submit all your session reports. We reimburse your travel to the sessions and you can also claim expenses through this platform.
Enjoy!
We can’t wait for you to start your journey with us and make a change to a Little Londoner’s life. It promises to be incredibly rewarding for you both.
If you would love to support The Kids Network but are unable to mentor, please head to the support us page to find out other ways to support the charity.
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