Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles
Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles
BITC Cross-organisational Mentoring Circles bring together professionals from different companies to share experiences, gain insights, and support each other’s personal and professional development. These structured group sessions foster inclusive leadership, networking, and collaborative learning across sectors.
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.
Our Impact
unique employers
representing a range of sectors, locations and sizes
mentors
have each gained valuable skills, experience and insights
mentees
have each benefited from professional career and development support
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 work.
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 2025-2026
Cohort 14:
October 2025 – April 2026: Cohort 14 programme
Cohort 15:
Now – March 2026: Applications for Cohort 15 open
March-April 2026: Confirmation of participation
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
What our mentors & mentees are saying
Interested in joining the programme? Organisations can complete the form below to contact us if you have any questions or register their interest.
Cross-organisational mentoring circles Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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.
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.
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.