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Campbell Robb delivered his keynote speech to over 350 practitioners, the Director General of the Office of the Third Sector commended the mentoring and befriending projects working across the country helping to change individual lives for the better.  He also gave Government backing to the use of mentoring and befriending as part of the overall strategies to tackle social exclusion.

Campbell Robb said:
“We believe in what you’re doing.”

A panel discussion and interactive session then followed involving well respected mentoring and befriending experts Moira Swinbank, Chief Executive, TimeBank, James Cathcart, Head of Priority Groups, The Prince’s Trust and Peter Collins, Chief Executive, Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. 

Moira Swinbank opened the discussion by explaining the role of TimeBank in tackling social exclusion through mentoring and the impact their projects have made.  She discussed one particularly successful project called Time Together which is aimed at refugee integration.  Evaluation has shown that “90% of refugees who have taken part feel more integrated in UK society.”

Moira Swinbank summarised by saying:
“Finally, I have been reflecting on what as an organisation, TimeBank has learnt from developing and delivering mentoring and befriending projects.  The key to a really successful project is to work with the users to design the service as well as making sure that monitoring and evaluation are built-in.”

The audience then voted on the question;

“In which of the four following areas do you believe mentoring and befriending has the biggest impact?”

92% felt that developing self-confidence and self-esteem had the biggest impact.  With only 2% believing that it improved relationships and 3% voted for becoming a better citizen.

James Cathcart then took to the stage to discuss the role of quality standards in mentoring and befriending projects.  He talked about the need to be more specific in our definition and use of the term “quality standard”.  He suggested the use of grading according to categories essential minimum practice and good practice, as well as the need to assess and monitor independently and regularly. 

James Cathcart concluded by saying:
“Finally, I would suggest that we do not regard the use of quality standards assessment as an MOT, only valid on the day of assessment, but rather it is an ongoing process of reflection and refinement such as a Formula 1 car racing team.”

He then posed the question;

“Should all mentoring and befriending projects be required to achieve a quality standard?” 

18% strongly agreed, 56% agreed and 27% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.

Finally, Peter Collins tackled the subject of sustainability in relation to mentoring and befriending projects, in particular the need to provide evidence.  He believes this includes hard evidence of soft outcomes and quantifiable information which can be used to demonstrate the impact and value of the service.  

Peter Collins wrapped up by saying:
“The truth is – the source of evidence is out there – we just don’t always ask the right questions in the right order to get what we need and we don’t always measure the effectiveness of provision in the way that would put us on the path to sustainability.”

The final question asked was;

“Should all projects be required to demonstrate evidence of impact?” 

46% strongly agreed, 38% agreed and 16% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.  

Practitioners then moved onto their chosen workshops.  Over 35 workshops took place over 3 sessions, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and network with peers. 

Feedback from the day included:

• “Useful, informative, practical advice - will be able to implement ideas in own practice.”
• “Excellent ideas - lots to think about.”
• “Fast and furious, stimulating and creative, refreshing and enjoyable. Wow!”
• “It has been a valuable opportunity to attend the conference as it has enabled me to develop and establish relationships with other volunteering organisations.  I find this a valuable tool.”

For full conference speeches and workshop handouts please downloaded the conference report here.