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Reverse Mentoring Programme

Set to launch it fourth cohort in 2025, the Reverse Mentoring Scheme – delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is a 10-month programme pairing senior leaders with Black, Asian and ethnic minority professionals. This initiative highlights the value of allyship, fosters inclusive workplace cultures, and inspires fresh perspectives on how organisations tackle diversity, equity and inclusion at every level.

About the Programme

In 2021, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and Taylor Bennett Foundation launched the PR industry’s first BME Reverse Mentoring Scheme. The scheme was designed to increase awareness of diversity challenges, the need for inclusive cultures and drive lasting change in the PR industry.  

The 10-month programme paired senior leaders with Black, Asian and ethnic minority PR and Communications professionals to share insights into the experiences of minorities in the industry and the challenges they face. It emphasised the importance of allyship and fostering inclusive cultures while inspiring fresh approaches to how organisations address diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work.

Previous participants have include:

Both the CIPR and the Taylor Bennett Foundation established the programme to: 

1) Drive cultural awareness and build inclusive workplaces and cultures in the PR & Communications industry 

2) Increase awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion challenges and the need for inclusive cultures and work environments in the PR & Communications industry 

3) Help senior leaders / mentees gain an understanding of real-life experiences Black, Asian and ethnic minority PR professionals deal with and encourage them to implement new ways of thinking to innovate how their organisations approach all aspects of DE&I 

Why participate as a mentor?

As a mentor, this programme is not only an opportunity to pay it forward by utilising your expertise and insights to support PR & Communications professionals in meeting their objectives set for the programme but it is a chance to represent the future generation of diverse talent by collaborating on strategic solutions for the workplace.

This programme will support those looking to build their leadership skills for their career development through professional reverse mentoring and coaching but also provide exposure to structured networking events and reflections.

“Seeing actionable change was the most satisfying part of the programme and seeing my mentee make intentional decisions to shape how his business focuses on diversity and inclusion.”  – Mentor

“The programme offered the chance to explore nuances of ethnic minority backgrounds that I hadn’t previously considered. It also offered a safe space to ask questions and explore aspects of inclusion that informed my approach within the CIPR and my agency.” – Mentee

Programme Eligibility

Mentees

  • In a senior leadership role, with the ability to implement change and be accountable for transforming the culture and environment within your business
  • Can demonstrate existing action to DEIB initiatives and programmes
  • Willing to have open, non-judgmental conversations
  • Mentees should be from a non-minority background
  • Mentees should be able to commit to the 10-month programme and in-person programme meeting dates

Mentors

  • 3+ years experience working in PR & Communications
  • Committed to investing time and effort in DEIB initiatives & programmes
  • Willing to have open, non-judgmental conversations
  • Mentors should be from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background
  • Mentors should be able to commit to the 10-month programme and in-person programme meeting dates

How to apply

Key Programme Dates

Application Process

The 2025 Reverse Mentoring Programme will run from May 7th 2025 – February 6th 2026.

Key dates for the programme include:

    • Applications open on December 10th 2024 and will close on February 21st 2025 (11.59pm).
    • Mentoring match outcomes: April 2025
    • Virtual mentor briefing: April 30th 2025
    • Virtual mentee briefing: May 1st 2025
    • Programme Launch Breakfast: May 7th 2025
    • Summer Networking Event: July 3rd 2025
    • Virtual group check-in: October 16th 2025
    • Programme Closing Event: February 5th 2026

    Applications for the 2025 programme are now open for both prospective mentors and mentees.

    If you would like to participate in the programme, please click on the respective link below and complete the written application form.

      Applications close on February 21st 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview to assist in the selection and matching process.

      Programme Fees: Upon a successful mentoring match, there is a minimum fee donation of £800 per mentee/mentor matched to your organisation as a mentee. Mentors do not pay a fee to participate.

      If you are interested in applying and have any questions, please contact mentoring@taylorbennettfoundation.org.