Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles
Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles
A cross-organisational mentoring programme for ethnically diverse employees
At Business in the Community (BITC), we believe that employers should ensure Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse employees have opportunities to progress. This is Commitment Five of our Race at Work Charter.
If you are considering running a mentoring scheme, our cross-organisational mentoring circles are here to support the skills and ambitions of your ethnically diverse employees, helping them to unlock their full potential.
Since the programme launched over ten years ago, it has provided vital personal development opportunities, helped professional networking, and supported shared learning with peers and leaders from other participating organisations.
What does the data say about mentoring?
Although racial equality in the workplace is slowly improving, only 10% of ethnically diverse employees feel that there are opportunities to progress where they work1.
Our Race at Work Charter Survey Report 2023 found that 72% of organisations surveyed mentor or reverse mentor their ethnically diverse employees, as they believe it is key for progression.
Running a mentoring scheme is a great way to build awareness of the challenges faced by ethnically diverse employees and foster a culture where all experiences, skills and ideas are valued. A successful programme can boost employee engagement, retention and overall experience.
How do cross-organisational mentoring circles work?
The programme specifically connects Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse mentees through mentoring circles over a six-month period.
Each circle is made up of up to ten mentees across participating organisations. Mentors of each circle are senior members from one of the participating organisations. The circles work together to set their own agenda, working towards shared goals and objectives. The aim is to support each other and develop new skillsets using peer-to-peer support alongside being led by their mentor.
The circles are held monthly, with an opening and closing ceremony. This includes a survey before and after, which helps participants see their progress.
Key dates for the 2025 cohort – Cohort 14
January – February: Expression of interest
March – April: Organisation enrolment
May – mid-July: Mentor & mentee recruitment
Mid-July – August: Participant enrolment
September: Participant onboarding and training
October: Programme launch
March 2026: Programme close
What our mentors/mentees are saying
“I got promoted, and I can say that mentoring circle has helped me understand how career progression decision-making works “behind the scenes”. I’m very grateful for the openness and honesty of my mentoring group.”
Mentee
“One of the most powerful and empowering aspects of support you can give your employees is the opportunity to speak in safe spaces with like-minded people. The cross-business, cross-life experiences that people are able to share can only be done through an initiative like this at BITC.”
Mentor
“It has been fantastic meeting new people in this mentoring circle from other organisations with similar experiences and building great networks. We have worked together encouraging each other and finding solutions helping each other.”
Mentee
Interested in joining the 2025 cohort? Organisations can register their interest using the form below
Frequently Asked Questions
BITC members can contact their Relationship Manager for more details. If you are not a BITC member, you can contact our Advisory team at advisory@bitc.org.uk.
Registration opens in March 2025. You can fill in the form on this webpage, giving us your contact information and some key details about your organisation. A member of the programme team will give you further information and discuss next steps.
Registration for the next group opens in March 2025. After registration, the programme team will contact you to discuss next steps and give you more information. To find out more, contact us at comc@bitc.org.uk.
References
1 BITC, Race at Work: Black voices, 2020