Trusted Adults Who Carry the Programme
Professional RSA Mentors are trained delivery professionals who lead recurring school sessions, Circles, programme tools, developmental evidence, school continuity, selected family engagement and experiential reflection.
Apply to Become a Professional MentorTrusted Adults Who Carry the Programme
Professional RSA Mentors are trained delivery professionals who lead recurring school sessions, Circles, programme tools, developmental evidence, school continuity, selected family engagement and experiential reflection.
The RSA Professional Mentor is a paid and trained delivery professional who carries recurring programme delivery and the ongoing developmental relationship with participants.
Mentors work within RSA safeguarding and professional boundaries. There is no unapproved unsupervised one-to-one adult access, no forced disclosure, and mentors do not diagnose or counsel beyond their competence.
Professional and Specialist Roles
Professional Mentors carry recurring programme delivery. Other roles contribute defined expertise or additional quality responsibilities.
RSA Professional Mentor
A paid and trained delivery professional who leads recurring programme delivery and the ongoing developmental relationship with participants.
RSA Lead / Senior Mentor
An experienced Professional Mentor with additional supervision, quality assurance or cluster responsibilities.
Specialist / Guest Mentor
A screened professional who contributes bounded expertise, lived experience or career exposure. A specialist does not automatically have an ongoing mentoring relationship with participants.
Partner Facilitator
An approved provider delivering a defined licensed or technical activity. RSA retains developmental ownership.
What RSA Looks for in Professional Mentors
Professional Mentors are selected for their character, judgement, reliability and willingness to work responsibly within the RSA programme.
Character and Integrity
Good judgement, integrity and a genuine commitment to supporting boys responsibly.
Good Judgement
The ability to make responsible decisions and respond appropriately to situations involving boys.
Reliability
A dependable commitment to agreed programme responsibilities and activities.
Clear Communication
The ability to communicate clearly, respectfully and appropriately with boys and other adults.
Respect for Boundaries
A clear understanding of appropriate professional, safeguarding and programme boundaries.
Working with Boys Aged 13–18
The ability and willingness to work appropriately with boys aged 13–18.
Commitment to Safeguarding
A commitment to protecting boys and following RSA safeguarding standards.
Willingness to Follow RSA Guidance
Professional Mentors follow RSA guidance, programme procedures and supervision requirements.
Professional Boundaries and Safeguarding
All mentors and specialists work within RSA safeguarding standards, clear role boundaries and appropriate supervision.
Safeguarding Standards
Mentors follow RSA safeguarding standards and help maintain safe environments for boys.
Defined Roles
Each mentor or partner works within a clearly defined role and agreed programme responsibilities.
Supervision
Mentors work under appropriate supervision and follow RSA guidance throughout the programme.
No Unapproved Unsupervised One-to-One Access
There is no unapproved unsupervised one-to-one adult access to participants.
No Forced Disclosure
Mentors do not force boys to disclose private information. Safety concerns are handled through the agreed safeguarding process.
Work Within Competence
Mentors do not diagnose or counsel beyond their competence. Professional support is referred where needed.
Approved Programme Channels
Communication and contact with participants remain within approved RSA programme channels.
Questions Professional Mentors Often Ask
Find quick answers about suitability, responsibilities and programme boundaries.
Do I need to be a teacher or counsellor?
No. Professional Mentors are trained delivery professionals who must be suitable for the role, prepared, supervised and willing to follow RSA boundaries.
Can I contact boys privately?
No. Contact must remain within approved RSA channels. There is no unapproved unsupervised one-to-one adult access to participants.
What does a Professional Mentor do?
Professional RSA Mentors lead recurring school sessions, Circles, programme tools, developmental evidence, school continuity, selected family engagement and experiential reflection.
What is outside a mentor's role?
Mentors do not diagnose or counsel beyond their competence, force disclosure or promise secrecy about safeguarding concerns.
Are RSA Professional Mentors volunteers?
The recurring RSA Professional Mentor role is a paid and trained delivery professional role. Specialists or volunteers may support defined activities, but they are not assumed to carry the recurring Professional Mentor role.
What does a Specialist / Guest Mentor do?
A screened Specialist / Guest Mentor contributes bounded expertise, lived experience or career exposure. This does not automatically create an ongoing mentoring relationship with participants.
Apply to Become a Professional Mentor
If you are committed to supporting boys responsibly and working within RSA's safeguarding standards, we would like to hear from you.
Support Boys Through Professional Mentoring
Professional Mentors carry recurring programme delivery within clear RSA safeguarding and professional boundaries.
Apply to Become a Professional Mentor