Mentoring is often poorly (or very broadly) defined. Programmes might be work-based, academic (school or university-based, focused on improving learning and skills), peer, or youth/intergenerational. There is no clear way in which these different terms are used; for example, some programmes described as youth mentoring are really academic programmes. Some mentoring relationships are planned. Mentoring programmes might be formal or informal. They can be delivered face to face or virtually; one to one or group-based. Some programmes are described as mentoring but really focus on befriending or one-off support. They are usually goal orientated. Some of the empirical evidence around mentoring does not always clearly state the type of mentoring scheme that is being researched.

Drawing on existing definitions, we see youth mentoring as trusting, purposeful and ongoing relationships between a younger person or people, and an older, unrelated person, which involve the exchange of support, advice, encouragement, and skills development.