An independent evaluation of the second 1MM NCS Mentoring Pilot has been completed by Rocket Science in November 2024, providing key insights into how different models of youth mentoring perform in practice.

The pilot, a collaboration between One Million Mentors (1MM) and the National Citizen Service (NCS), was designed to explore the effectiveness of three mentoring delivery methods: virtual, face-to-face, and hybrid. With a shared interest in testing and refining diverse approaches, 1MM and NCS commissioned Rocket Science to assess the programme and identify what works best for young people.

To carry out the evaluation, Rocket Science used a 360-degree case-study approach, conducting in-depth interviews with mentees, mentors, and youth partner organisations. This method offered a comprehensive view of the mentoring experience from multiple perspectives, focusing on both the processes of delivery and the outcomes achieved.

The evaluation explored not only how each mentoring model functioned but also the impact on the young people who participated. Early findings suggest meaningful personal development among mentees, alongside valuable insights into how different mentoring styles can support youth engagement and growth.

Insights from the report will inform the next phase of mentoring delivery as 1MM and NCS continue to refine their approach to better serve young people across the UK. The full evaluation report could be accessed here.