Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles

BITC Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles bring together professionals from organisations across the UK to support the career progression of ethnically diverse employees. Through structured mentoring circles, participants build confidence, share experiences, and learn collectively in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Key dates for the 2026 Cohort

At Business in the Community (BITC), we believe employers have a vital role in enabling fair progression for Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse employees. This approach sits at the heart of Commitment Five of the Race at Work Charter, which focuses on equitable access to progression opportunities.

If you are exploring how to support the skills, confidence and ambitions of your ethnically diverse talent, BITC’s Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles (COMC) offer a proven and supportive mentoring approach. By bringing together mentees and mentors from different organisations, the programme shares learning, broadens perspectives and complements your existing talent and inclusion activities.

Since launching in 2013, COMC has supported thousands of participants to navigate career challenges, build meaningful professional networks, and gain insights from peers and leaders across sectors. Past cohorts highlight increased confidence, stronger career clarity, and tangible progression outcomes, while organisations benefit from deeper cultural awareness, stronger engagement and more inclusive talent pipelines.

A decade of proven impact

Thousands of mentees have benefited from professional career and development support, with more than 85% of mentees reporting increased confidence at work. Hundreds of mentors, representing organisations from a wide range of sectors, locations, and organisation sizes across the UK, have additionally gained valuable skills, experiences, and insights, with up to 98% of all participants recommending the programme.

3,500+

mentees

500+

mentors

100+

unique employers

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What our mentors and 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.” – Programme Mentee

“One of the most powerful and empowering aspects of support you can give your employee 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.” – Programme Mentor

“I’m not aware of another programme where ethnically diverse aspiring leaders from different organisations come together to learn under the guidance of a senior leader. It has real potential to open minds and doors for those who feel left behind in their careers.” – Organisation contacts

How do Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles work?

COMC connects Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse mentees through mentoring circles over a six‑month period.

Each circle includes up to ten mentees from different organisations and is led by a senior mentor from a participating employer. Circles set shared goals and shape their own agenda, supported by peer‑to‑peer learning and mentor guidance.

The programme runs through monthly sessions and includes an opening and closing ceremony, alongside pre‑ and post‑programme surveys to help participants reflect on their development.

What makes Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles unique?

A circle‑based mentoring model

COMC uses mentoring circles rather than traditional 1:1 mentoring. This enables mentees to gain insight from a senior mentor while also learning from, and being supported by, peers from different organisations. Participants consistently highlight how this creates a psychologically safe space to discuss challenging experiences, recognise shared barriers, and feel less isolated.

Structured support and high‑quality resources

We provide comprehensive support throughout the programme, including onboarding briefings and training, practical handbooks and tools, and a series of well‑received masterclasses shaped by mentees’ interests and priorities.

Ongoing engagement and expert support

Monthly check‑ins help maintain engagement and momentum across the programme. Participants also have access to BITC’s in‑house inclusion and wellbeing advisors, who provide guidance, answer questions and support problem‑solving throughout the journey.

An image of a person holding a calendar and pen.

Key Dates for 2026

Cohort 15:
Now – April 2026: Applications for Cohort 15 open (register here)
3 March 2026: Cohort 15 Information Session (watch recording here)
May – July 2026: Recruitment and enrolment of participants
September 2026: Participant onboarding and training
October 2026: Cohort 15 programme launch
March 2026: Cohort 15 programme close

Interested in joining the programme? Organisations can complete the form below to contact us if you have any questions or register their interest.

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Reason for contact or query about the programme

Cross-organisational mentoring circles Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in the cross-organisational mentoring circles programme as an individual. Can I join?

We work with organisations to deliver the programme, so individuals cannot sign up independently unless their organisation is participating. However, if you are interested, please share this programme with your organisation’s Learning and Development or People Team so they are aware of the programme. If there is enough interest, they may be able to join, allowing you to participate through your organisation!

How much does the cross-organisational mentoring circles programme cost?

BITC members can contact their Relationship Manager for more details such as programme cost. If you are not a BITC member, you can contact our Advisory team at advisory@bitc.org.uk.

How can my organisation get involved?

Registration for each cohort is confirmed in March annually. 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.

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

Complete the form on the cross-organisational mentoring circles page and 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.