Volunteer Business Mentors

Who is Crossroads Care Association?

Crossroads Care Association is the national charity supporting a network of local schemes across England and Wales which help carers and people with care needs. They work with over 43,000 individuals and their families, enabling carers make a life of their own outside of their caring role. Crossroads Care employs over 6,000 trained professionals, providing flexible services to people of all ages and with different disabilities and health conditions.
 
Above all, Crossroads Care is about people: building long and trusted relationships and supporting those in need.

How is Crossroads Care Association changing in 2012?

Between April and June this year, the Association will pilot a self-assessment process to encourage its schemes to think more creatively about the people and families they support and to consider how their needs can be better met. The new process is also needed for these local schemes to survive in the current challenging economic environment, developing a more sophisticated infrastructure and increasing their business capacity.

What is the role of the business mentor?

We are looking for mentors who will help the schemes through the new process during the pilot, providing encouragement and challenge. Each scheme will have a lead mentor but will also work as a team, pooling their skills. The mentor will act as a ‘critical friend’ to the scheme but also advise Crossroads Care on areas for capacity building.

What kind of person do we need?

We are looking for outstanding individuals who have a track record of leadership gained in management or consulting; in other words, people who have supported organisations to develop and have an impact.

Ideally our mentors will have signifcant experience of working in a service environment (whether in the public, voluntary or private sectors) in which a high-level of customer service is crucial.

Strong relationship management skills and analytical skills will form a key part of supporting the schemes. Our mentors should also be able to develop business plans and to demonstrate how will support change and growth. 

Are you a troubleshooter? Our mentors will be able to correctly diagnose problems and know how resolve them. 

I am interested: What should I do next?

If you feel you can help steer Crossroads through this period of organisational change, click here to download our recruitment pack. When you’ve read the information, send a covering letter and your CV to janet.thorne@reachskills.org.uk. The letter should explain why you are interested in the role and briefly outline your experience. We’ll contact you within five working days. You can also ring us to discuss the role on 020 7582 6543. We will be delighted to hear from you.