(1) Do I need special training to be a Group Adviser?
No formal training is required to be a GETTING AHEAD volunteer. All volunteers will already have their own experience of the job application, interview and general workplace processes. A full briefing is given on the morning of the conference and the Tower Hamlets EBP programme manager will be happy to answer any questions beforehand.

(2) When does the conference start and end?
The conferences usually start at 8:45am and finish between 3:00 and 3:30pm.

(3) Do I need to volunteer for 1 or 2 days?
We ask volunteers to attend the full length of the conference if they can. So for a two day conference we would ask the volunteer for two days of their time. By doing the full conference volunteers get to build up a good relationship with their students. We do appreciate that volunteers can't always commit for that much time, and that for some even one day is difficult, so we are flexible in that volunteers can do just one day or half day if we can pair them up with another volunteer. Many volunteers pair up with fellow colleagues.

(4) What are the pupils like who participate?
The students will usually be in Years 10 - 11 (aged 14 - 15 years) and will be studying for their GCSEs. Most will also be facing an application process for further education or employment very soon.

(5) How many pupils are there in a group?
Each Group Adviser will be working with a group of around 8 students.

(6) Will I be on my own with the students?
No. Teachers will be on hand at all times for support and to deal with unacceptable behaviour. The conference's usually take place in an open plan hall so other groups with their Advisers will be close by along with the chair person.

(7) What information am I given before the conference?
Between 7 to 10 days prior to the conference, you will be sent a timetable for the day, outline of your role and directions to the venue.

(8) Where will the other volunteers be from?
All of our volunteers are professionals from the Tower Hamlets business community

(9) Where are the conferences held?
The conferences are either held at a school or a range of conference venues in Tower Hamlets.

(10) Can groups of colleagues take part?
Yes. Many organisations use GETTING AHEAD as a team development/building opportunity.

(11) Do volunteers need to be CRB checked?
GETTING AHEAD volunteers are never left completely alone with the students. For this reason they do not need to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.