Press Release

National mentoring and befriending body appoints new Chief Executive

21st January 2009

The Mentoring and Befriending Foundation has appointed a new Chief Executive following the decision of Peter Collins, the current Chief Executive and Founder, to step down from the post in March this year. Steve Matthews, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive – Quality & Standards takes up the appointment as Chief Executive (designate).

Joyce Anderson, Chair of MBF’s Board of Trustees, said:

“We are delighted that Steve has accepted the post of Chief Executive (designate). He brings lots of experience to the role and has the vision to lead MBF towards an exciting future. I’m looking forward to working with Steve as MBF’s new leader.”

Steve joined MBF five years ago and helped to establish the organisation’s change of identify from the National Mentoring Network and its development as a strategic partner of the Office of the Third Sector. Appointed Deputy Chief Executive – Quality & Standards in 2006, he led the DCSF funded national peer mentoring pilot 2006-08 and has recently completed a review of the organisation’s quality standard for mentoring and befriending projects, the Approved Provider Standard (APS).

Looking ahead, Steve said:

“Providers of mentoring and befriending services face many challenges, but equally there are lots of opportunities out there, particularly as government continues to see the contribution that mentoring and befriending can make to supporting policy development in relation to community cohesion and social exclusion.

“MBF’s job is to continue to offer support to these providers and to promote the spread of high quality mentoring and befriending provision. I am proud of what MBF has achieved to date and look forward to leading the MBF team and working with them to develop plans for the future.”

Peter Collins, who officially steps down in March, will continue to take an active interest in the development of mentoring and befriending at a national level and has recently agreed to work with the Council on Social Action to review progress in implementing the Council’s recommendations on one-to-one support.

During the changeover period, Peter and Steve will work together to continue to develop MBF’s partnership with government, other Third Sector organisations, stakeholders and practitioners.

For further information please contact Trevor Green, Public Relations Officer, Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, 0161 787 8600; 07767 654076 or email trevor.green@mandbf.org.uk