Approved Provider
'Friends on the Out' (FotO) is proud to have met the required standard for safe and effective practice in Mentoring and Befriending - the Approved Provider Standard (APS) from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation (MBF).
The 'Approved Provider Standard' (APS) is an exceedingly stringent and highly respected independent accreditation for organisations that offer a one-to-one Volunteer Mentoring service. We understand that FotO is the first volunteer Mentoring scheme of its kind to gain this important accolade. This is a recognisable award which gives confidence to both those who are part of FotO and those coming into contact with FotO that the scheme operates to the highest possible quality standards with trusted independent external evaluation.
Achieving the APS requires a written submission along with documentation showing the Mentoring scheme has clear policies and structures for each of the activities it undertakes, as well as submitting practical evidence that the activities undertaken follow and are guided by the policies and structures described.
FotO is committed to the highest possible standards of safe and effective Mentoring for both our Mentors and Mentees. This affects every aspect of the scheme, from Mentor recruitment and training, Mentee selection and preparation to ongoing supervision and record keeping.
Operated in partnership with the Government's Cabinet Office, Office of the Third Sector and the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the MBF is the national coordinating body for benchmarks and best practice in Mentoring and Befriending, of which the APS plays a central part.
You can find out more about the APS and the MBF on their website at http://www.mandbf.org.uk/goodpractice/aps/