Reciprocal Mentoring Programme
What is Reciprocal Mentoring?
Reciprocal mentoring is a valuable approach for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace. Unlike traditional mentoring, which typically involves a one-way exchange, reciprocal mentoring fosters mutual learning where experienced public/population health leaders and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds can share insights and knowledge with one another.
The Yorkshire and Humber (Y&H) Public Health Reciprocal Mentoring Programme offers an opportunity for colleagues in leadership roles within Public and/or Population health to gain deeper insights into the experiences and development needs of minority ethnic colleagues that are also working within the public health system.
This program is fully supported by the Yorkshire and Humber Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Community of Improvement and has been designed to emphasise a mutually beneficial relationship of equals, rather than a hierarchical mentor-mentee dynamic.
Programme objectives:
- To provide black and minority ethnic mentees with access to networks, career guidance, and personal development.
- To help individuals build confidence, visibility, and career progression opportunities.
- To creates an open dialogue that challenges unconscious bias and fosters allyship
- To identify structural barriers within the workforce and creates pathways for meaningful change
- To help mentors develop cultural intelligence, empathy, and a more inclusive leadership style.
- To encourage decision-makers to challenge established processes to better reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Details on the programme delivered in 2025/6 can be found in the attached below. Expressions of interest are now being sought for what will be Cohort 4 which will take place in late 2026/7. Please email victor.joseph@doncaster.gov.uk, Chair of the EDI Community of Improvement for further details.