Quality Award

Following changes made by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation to the method of assessments and cost structures associated with the Approved Provider Standard Award, the Board of Scottish Mentoring Network has decided that it is an appropriate time to review what kind of quality award is now required in Scotland.

Whilst there are some similarities in the provision of mentoring and befriending services it is clear that mentoring covers a wider spectrum of projects from dealing with vulnerable groups, through to schools, colleges and universities as well as the public sector and business. Befriending Network Scotland has also recognised this distinction and is currently developing a quality award specifically aimed at befriending projects.

The Board of SMN is setting up a Working Party and will be inviting some members with relevant experience to participate. The Working Party will be asked to review the present arrangements and develop a replacement award for Approved Provider Standard. The award will apply only to mentoring projects and will take account of the range of projects covered by members of Scottish Mentoring Network. It is intended the new award will be fully operational by the end of 2010. Consideration will also be given to the necessary transitional arrangements required in moving away from the current APS. This will include how to deal with current APS holders and those projects which feel they will be ready to apply before the end of 2010.

Members will be kept up to date with developments via our website.

In the meantime if any member has any questions or concerns please contact us.

Iain Forbes
Strategic Development Manager

Approved Providers

The following projects completed their Approved Provider Standard Award between 2006 and 2010. These projects are currently of a high standard which has been approved by Scottish Mentoring Network:


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