Today [March 25th] London Higher has launched the ‘London Higher Mentoring Programme’, in partnership with London Metropolitan University and Minerva. This pan-London positive action mentoring programme will meet the needs of academics and professional services staff and will pair mentees with mentors from across participating London Higher member institutions.
The programme follows on from the North London Leadership Programme (NLLP), a pilot run by London Metropolitan University and City, University of London in 2020/21 and led by Amaechi Echedolu, Training Officer and Co-Chair of the BAME Staff Network at London Met. This year the programme will be coordinated by Amaechi and Darren de Souza, Projects and Policy Officer at London Higher.
The London Higher Mentoring Programme will run until the end of the 2021/22 academic year and will support the capital’s higher education sector to build the pipeline of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic academic and professional services staff across all levels of institutions giving mentees a space to seek tailored support from their mentor outside their institutional hierarchy.
Speaking about the launch of the event, Dr Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer of London Higher said:
“We are delighted to launch the London Higher Mentoring Programme today, building upon the successful pilot at London Metropolitan University and City, University of London in 2020/21 and providing our members with invaluable opportunities to network with other Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic professionals from institutions across the capital.
I hope that those participating in the programme over the coming months will boost their confidence, develop new skills, and broaden opportunities for pan-London collaboration through the programme’s unique cross-institutional matching, giving mentees a space to seek tailored support from their mentor.”
Amaechi Echedolu, Training Officer and Co-Chair of the BAME Staff Network at London Met said;
“It is fantastic to see London Met’s pilot 2020/21 programme rolled out across the whole of the capital. By opening access to this programme to the wider London Higher membership we aim to provide an effective platform for improving career progression for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff by matching mentors and mentees.
The programme will give participants the chance to explore professional challenges, reflect on career progress and develop personal career goals and hear from a wide range of exciting speakers and engage in discussion on topics relevant to those working in London HE. We can’t wait to get started.”
Ben Tucker, Partner at Minerva, sponsors of the programme said;
“Developing talent and widening opportunities for all is essential if we are to truly realise our potential, both across individual businesses, and society as a whole. We are delighted to sponsor this mentoring programme, providing speakers and facilities.”
