NCVO to take on MBF services

Mentoring and Befriending Foundation’s core services are to be transferred to NCVO.

MBF helps organisations increase the effectiveness and quality of their mentoring and befriending services. Staff whose job roles involve the delivery of MBF core services will join NCVO in accordance with TUPE regulations.

Services to be transferred include the Approved Provider Standard for mentoring and befriending projects, the National Training Programme of short courses on good practice in mentoring and befriending, MBF resources, and relevant website content.

The transfer is expected to take place on 31 March, and MBF will remain in existence for a short time in order to close down remaining activities. Any reserves will be donated to NCVO.

In a statement, the organisations said MBF has worked hard to build up its core services in recent years, but last year trustees decided to pursue a collaborative approach to ensure the sustainability of their services. They approached NCVO as a potential partner and the organisations have come to an agreement.

NCVO chief executive Sir Stuart Etherington was pleased the organisation could ensure MBF’s services continue into the future.

“Their accreditation scheme will complement our own highly regarded quality standards work, and further strengthen our offer to the sector. This transfer will preserve and develop the core services of MBF as a valuable resource for the voluntary sector.”

MBF chief executive Steve Matthews said mentoring and befriending are key areas for volunteering and the merger will ensure the service’s become more sustainable and reach more organisations.

“We are delighted that NCVO has agreed to take on the Approved Provider Standard, our highly rated National Training Programme of short courses, resources and website and to provide a secure future for them.”