Be part of supporting others on their adoption journey

Following a highly successful pilot, Adoption UK are looking to recruit mentors for an exciting new Peer Mentoring scheme. Using an innovative approach of a user led support, the scheme relies on volunteer mentors who have the experience and desire to help others through their adoption journey. This support will be offered to adoptive families within the One Adoption North and Humber region.

What do mentors do?

Mentors are there to give support, sharing of experience and encouragement to potential and experienced adopters as they move through the adoption process from assessment through to placement and beyond. Their goal is to help families through an emotionally challenging period so that they

What skills and experience do you need?

Mentors will bring their own adopter experience to the role and offer support and encouragement to adopters as they move through the adoption journey. We are looking variety of mentors with range of experiences and skills, for example,
• Interpersonal skills – able to listen and empathise, build relationships, convey information with sensitivity, can judge the mood and tempo of the situation and act accordingly.
• Knowledge of the adoption process - in your local area, knowledge of the adoption reforms nationally and how they apply locally, knowledge of the key sources of advice and information (including on entitlements) – able to point adopters to the information they need as and when they need it.
• Knowledge of common adoption challenges - regardless of personal experience, be able to talk about and empathise with common adoption challenges e.g. education, family & friends view on a child’s behaviour and parenting, contact etc.

How to apply?

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor, please complete and return the short application and equal opportunities forms below.

The closing date for applications is 10 June 2019 

Interviews will take place on 17th/19th/20th June. Adoption UK will undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and will take up references (as applicable).

All successful applicants will need to attend a day’s training course on either 4th/10th/12th July.

Email your completed application form to [email protected] 

Application Form

Equal Opportunities Form

For further information:

Peer Mentor Role description

Candidate Pack