Careers Mentoring Lead (ASPIRE Project Lead)

The ASPIRE project brings together the four school groups in the Haberdashers' family of schools: Haberdashers Academies Trust South, Haberdashers' West Midlands Academies Trust, Haberdashers' Elstree and Haberdashers' Monmouth. It is part of the Haberdashers’ Futures programme which aims to increase awareness of different career paths, build confidence and enable students and alumni to access the broader Haberdashers’ community as they move into the wider world. 

The ASPIRE project partners sixth form students with a professional mentor with one-to-one mentoring sessions. The programme aims to enhance personal development, foster confidence, and develop essential skills necessary for future success. 

This project will be run centrally by the Haberdashers’ Company with ASPIRE Coordinators based in trusts/schools to run the project locally. Mentors will be members of the Company, connections of Company members, school alumni and friends and other community contacts.

The successful candidate will spearhead the innovative ASPIRE mentoring programme across the Trust. This unique initiative, aims to provide every Year 12 student with access to a mentor, making mentoring an integral component of each school's career programme. 

Key responsibilities

Oversee, lead and manage the ASPIRE Mentoring Programme for the Trust, which is an integral part of our careers information and guidance.

Work with staff across our schools, the Haberdashers’ Company and Director of Enrichment to develop an agreed policy and five-year strategy for this programme, supporting the Trust vision and objectives.

Develop creative methods of engaging stakeholders to become mentors.

Oversee the effective recruitment, training and ongoing management of mentors.

Work in partnership with schools and the Haberdashers’ Company to ensure safeguarding checks are conducted, prioritising the safety and well-being of our students.

Ensure strict and ongoing quality assurance methods and continuous monitoring of the programme.

Work closely with school leaders to ensure effective student recruitment and engagement in the programme.

Effectively engage with students, ensuring high engagement levels in the programme

Support students in creating profiles to match them with appropriate mentors.

Monitor the impact of the programme and respond to feedback as required.

Support the coordination and administration of events and activities linked to the Aspire programme, ensuring their smooth running and implementation.

Work as a key representative within the Central Team of the Trust, supporting our vision and ethos.

Promote equality and fairness for all staff, ensuring open and transparent recruitment and retention processes.

Take responsibility for one’s own development.

Additional specific responsibilities:

Engage and develop ongoing sustainable links with external organizations to recruit mentors.

Follow-up on introductions to corporate, business, and institutional organisations as supplied by members of the Haberdashers’ Company and others.

Serve as the first point of contact and relationship manager for potential mentors.

Build links and connections between the Trust’s schools and the private business sector, providing opportunities for young people to learn about business and entrepreneurship and engage with external organizations to learn from their experience.

Own and manage these relationships and act as a bridge between the Trust and these businesses.

Lead relevant projects to support the ASPIRE programme.

Work with other key leaders to ensure that websites and other promotional materials reflect the importance of this work and the activities being undertaken.

Stay updated with the latest research in mentoring and career development.

Develop and manage speaking opportunities to support the ASPIRE programme and promote and encourage the participation of all schools and mentors.

Promote equal opportunities and inclusion, addressing any issues immediately if they arise.

Report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with the Trust Safeguarding Policy.

Perform any other duties at the reasonable request of the Director of Enrichment.