SKIACC - Camden Council

The project aimed to improve mentorship schemes across Camden by understanding the experiences and needs of mentors, mentees, and organisations. We conducted extensive primary research, visiting charities, speaking with employees, volunteers, and beneficiaries, and supplementing these insights with secondary research on existing mentorship programmes. This research revealed two key problem areas: mentors often didn’t know what they could offer, and they frequently lacked confidence in their skills.

To address these challenges, we created personas and mapped user journeys, which informed the design of a service centred on skill recognition. We developed prototypes where mentors could select and track skills, self-evaluate progress, and reflect on learning. The service drew on existing frameworks, like the REBEL cards, to ensure consistency and ease of adoption. Testing with UAL mentorship leaders, mentors, and mentees helped refine the concept and validate its effectiveness.

The final service provided a structured way for mentors to articulate their skills, track personal growth, and build confidence while helping charities match them with mentees more effectively. Stakeholder mapping illustrated the benefits across the ecosystem, highlighting how each participant — from volunteers to organisations — gained value from the service. By connecting skill development, mentorship matching, and accreditation, the project enhanced the overall efficiency and impact of social action programmes in Camden.