1. Purpose of placements and mentoring
Placements and mentoring programmes allow people to gain direct experience in animal care, conservation, controlled-environment agriculture, technology, content creation and related fields. Each opportunity is designed to support confidence, skills development and long-term pathways into green careers.
2. Types of opportunities offered
Opportunities may include:
- short work experience placements (1–10 days);
- longer structured placements (up to several weeks);
- shadowing experiences in specific roles (e.g., vet, technician, ranger);
- mentoring relationships with Foundation staff or external experts;
- remote mentoring or project support where location is a barrier.
Some opportunities are seasonal or linked to Sanctuary, farming or conservation cycles. Others may be offered year-round through the Innovation Hub or media team.
3. Eligibility and suitability
Eligibility criteria depend on the setting and the nature of the work. These may include:
- minimum age requirements (often 16+ for onsite work);
- health and safety considerations (e.g. farm or animal handling restrictions);
- availability of staff supervision;
- education level or prior experience where relevant to the activity (kept proportionate and reasonable);
- geographical or travel requirements for in-person placements.
We avoid unnecessary barriers and provide alternative routes (e.g. virtual mentoring) where hands-on work is not suitable or safe.
4. Application, matching and selection
Application processes are kept as simple as possible. Where demand exceeds capacity, we may prioritise:
- young people or adults under-represented in the relevant sector;
- local residents or partner schools/colleges near the project site;
- people demonstrating clear motivation or interest in the field;
- individuals for whom the opportunity would be particularly impactful (e.g. early-career applicants, career changers).
We never base selection on protected characteristics, ability to pay, or irrelevant factors.
5. Supervision, welfare & safety
All placements are supervised by trained staff. The level and style of supervision depends on:
- the nature of tasks being undertaken;
- the age and experience of the participant;
- any additional needs or adjustments required;
- the environment (e.g., farm, workshop, lab, field site, Sanctuary).
Participants receive safety briefings, required PPE, and clear instructions on limits, responsibilities and prohibited activities. Risk-sensitive environments, such as veterinary spaces or heavy machinery, may have additional restrictions.
6. Conduct, expectations & responsibilities
We expect all participants to:
- behave respectfully and professionally towards others;
- follow safety instructions, staff guidance, and animal welfare protocols;
- maintain confidentiality where required;
- report concerns promptly to supervising staff;
- avoid social media posting that compromises welfare, privacy or security.
Breaches may result in adjustments to the placement or early termination where necessary to protect welfare or safety.
7. Mentoring relationships
Mentoring may be delivered by Foundation staff or external experts. All mentors are expected to:
- provide guidance that is appropriate, supportive and respectful;
- set clear expectations at the start of the relationship;
- maintain professional boundaries at all times;
- seek advice where safeguarding or wellbeing concerns arise;
- complete relevant training where required.
8. Duration, scheduling & evaluation
Placements vary in duration depending on the nature of the work, staffing capacity and participant needs. Schedules are designed to:
- minimise disruption to animal care, farming cycles or lab operations;
- support participant learning and wellbeing;
- comply with legal limits for young people or volunteers;
- allow structured reflection or evaluation at the end of the placement.
9. Data & privacy
Personal data gathered during the application or placement process is handled securely and used only for purposes necessary to administer the opportunity. Sensitive information (e.g., medical or access needs) is shared only with staff who need it to ensure safety and appropriate support, in line with our Privacy Notice.
10. Concerns, incidents & issue resolution
Participants are encouraged to raise any concerns with supervising staff as early as possible. More serious concerns—including safeguarding, discrimination, bullying or safety issues—can be raised under our Complaints & Feedback Policy.