About the Proofers Programme

The Proofers Programme follows the Breadwinners Programme, supporting refugees with further customer service experience and IT skills through running our online bread delivery service. In this programme, participants are provided with laptops and headsets and work as online sales representatives. The Proofers Programme is structured around training and mentoring.

We aim to help our Proofers to:

Improve well-being
Improve communication
Broaden networks
Gain a new work experience
Have a better understanding of what they want to do and how to achieve it
Find their next step

About Mentoring

Mentoring is essentially about helping people to develop more effectively. It is a relationship designed to build confidence and support the mentee so they can take control of their own development and work.

On the Proofers Programme, mentoring includes:

Supporting your mentee in their role as Online Sales Representative
Arranging weekly 1:1 personal development session with your mentee
Completing the Outcome Star at the beginning and end of the programme
Listening and empowering the person to be proactive and problem solve themselves
Taking an interest in and contributing to the person’s general welfare
Encourage your mentee to see a bigger and brighter future
Be a positive force and role model for your mentee
Having regular contact with your mentee & sending reminders before meetings
Reporting any concerns and following safeguarding procedures (see the induction slides for more information on safeguarding)

This programme is three months long:

Month 1: Support your mentee in their new role by practising the workflows, how to build rapport with customers and promoting sales.

Month 2: As they become more confident on the phone and writing emails, continue to give feedback about adjustments and improvements they can make. Continue to support your mentee with opportunity/job searching. Empower your mentee to be writing perfect emails, cover letters to a good standard and practicing interview skills.

Month 3: During their final month on the Proofers Programme, begin having discussions surrounding the programme’s ending and what your relationship will be like once the programme has finished. Continue to support your mentee to apply to and access new opportunities.