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.

90+ unique employers representing a range of sectors, locations, and sizes

300+ mentors have each gained valuable skills, experience and insights.

An image of two people sitting at a desk talking

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.

An image of someone holding a calendar looking at dates and holding a pen to the paper.

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

How can my organisation get involved?

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.

How much does it cost?

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.

I’m interested in the programme but would like more details before signing up. How can I find out more?

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.

Race