Council Working Arrangements

Work Arrangements for becoming a MCR Mentor

We are committed to supporting and encouraging employees volunteer in the MCR Pathways Mentoring Programme within the following arrangements:-

• If you are interested in volunteering, you should arrange to meet your manager to have an informal discussion on taking part.
• At this meeting you should discuss how you can make both your volunteering and business delivery commitments work. If you need support with this, your MCR pathways ambassador can put you in touch with other employees to help with creative ideas that make delivery easier for all
• Whilst your manager is responsible for service delivery and does have the final say in you taking part, if they are unsure about the impact on the service, MCR will support the manager by explaining more about the programme and its flexibility in delivery success for all.
• You should ensure that you are completely flexible when agreeing to take part and make sure you balance the needs of the service as equally as that of the programme. For example, when you agree with your manager what day of the week you will be supporting your mentee over the next month, if this clashes with a specific service delivery need, you will work with all parties to ensure a satisfactory outcome for all. Again always remember your MCR pathways ambassador is there to support you and the business along the way.
• If your participation in the scheme is approved, release for core activities is protected.
• If the mentoring falls on a non working day or time (including annual leave, sickness absence, maternity leave and all other leave arrangements) this is considered a volunteering opportunity and no payment will be given.
• No payment will be given for travel expenses or subsistence.
• Mentoring volunteering can be subsidised with the employees leave entitlements.
• GCC can accommodate mentoring relationships in schools within a geographic area which minimises operational disruption.
• Where possible travel time should be incorporated into your normal commute.
• This only applies to volunteering with MCR for Mentoring.
• Any other volunteering opportunites with MCR are covered by our Volunteering Policy.

Core Activities

• Registration with MCR.
• Attendance at your MCR information session.
• To attend your interview with MCR.
• Manadatory MCR training sessions.
• Weekly meetings with your mentee for up to 2 years.

Non Core Activities

• School support meetings with your MCR Pathway Co-ordinator and other school mentors.
• Development MCR training sessions.

Programme Management

• It is your responsibility to be satisfied that there are no conflicts of interest and that you have considered and accepted any risks.
• As part of your training with MCR you should be made aware of the relevant Health and Safety requirements and associated risk assessments for the role.
• Where you are given leave to volunteer with MCR you must comply with all relevant Health and Safety procedures as set out by them.