Reverse Mentoring Programme
Set to launch it’s sixth cohort in 2027, the Reverse Mentoring Programme – delivered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), is a 10-month programme pairing senior leaders with Black, Asian and ethnic minority professionals. This initiative highlights the value of allyship, fosters inclusive workplace cultures, and inspires fresh perspectives on how organisations tackle diversity, equity and inclusion at every level.
About the Programme
Through 10 months of direct, honest conversations, CEOs, MDs, and senior PR leaders are mentored by mid-senior ethnic minority PR professionals with real lived experience of exclusion. This isn’t a DEIB marketing exercise – it’s a hard-hitting, transformational experience that fundamentally changes how senior leaders think, act, and lead.
This programme acknowledges that unless senior white leaders recognise the value of creating inclusive cultures and take action themselves, change will not happen fast or authentically enough.
The Reverse Mentoring Programme emphasises the importance of allyship and fostering inclusive cultures while inspiring fresh approaches to how organisations address diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their work.
Previous participants have include:
Both the CIPR and the Taylor Bennett Foundation established the programme:
To drive cultural awareness and build inclusive workplaces and cultures in the PR & Communications industry
To increase awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion challenges and the need for inclusive cultures and work environments in the PR & Communications industry
To help mentees understand the real-life experiences Black, Asian & ethnic minority PR professionals face & encourage them to implement new ways of thinking to innovate how their organisations approach to all aspects of DE&I
With three key principles to drive the programme – leadership accountability, human-centred learning and long-term impact beyond the programme
Why participate as a mentee?
Accountable change makes a vital contribution to the industry and sends a clear message to stakeholders – including colleagues, clients, and future recruits – that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just important for your organisation but a necessity for sustaining and retaining diverse talent in the workplace.
If we want true equity and representation in PR, we need more than words – we need action top down for real change. The Reverse Mentoring Programme is that action.
“I’ve truly valued my time with my mentor, but it’s important to recognise that this programme is about more than attending one-to-one meetings in isolation. Meaningful change will only happen if we commit to addressing the ongoing challenges in our industry every single day. At the start, I found it hard to resist jumping straight to ideas/solutions, but I’ve learned the power of pausing, reflecting, and sitting with complex topics. Encouraging dialogue and continuous learning is at the heart of this journey, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward into my leadership role.“
Natalie Calvert, Associate Director at WPR Agency“I cannot advocate highly enough for this programme, in particular for those actively engaging in DE&I discussions and driving change through their businesses; this is a programme that provides a safe place to ask questions and to better understand how situations have been navigated.” – Rachel Gilley, CEO at Clarity Global
Programme Eligibility
Mentees
- In a senior leadership role, with the ability to implement change and be accountable for transforming the culture and environment within your business
- Can demonstrate existing action to DEIB initiatives and programmes
- Willing to have open, non-judgmental conversations
- Mentees should be from a non-minority background
- Mentees should be able to commit to the 10-month programme and in-person programme meeting dates
Mentors
- 3+ years experience working in PR & Communications
- Committed to investing time and effort in DEIB initiatives & programmes
- Willing to have open, non-judgmental conversations
- Mentors should be from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background
- Mentors should be able to commit to the 10-month programme and in-person programme meeting dates
How to apply
Key Programme Dates
Application Process
The 2027 Reverse Mentoring Programme will run from May 2027 – February 2028 .
Key dates for the programme include:
- Applications open on Monday 9th November 2026 and will close on Friday 22nd January 2027 (11.59pm).
- Mentoring match outcomes: March 2027
- Virtual mentor briefing: May 2027
- Virtual mentee briefing: May 2027
- Programme Launch Breakfast: May 2027
- Programme Closing Event: February 2028
Applications for the 2027 programme are now open for both prospective mentors and mentees.
If you would like to participate in the programme, please click on the respective link below and complete the written application form.
Applications close on January 22nd 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview to assist in the selection and matching process.
Programme Fees: Upon a successful mentoring match, there is a minimum fee donation of £900 per mentee/mentor matched to your organisation as a mentee, unless the place is covered by an Employer Partner agreement with TBF. Mentors do not pay a fee to participate.
If you are interested in applying and have any questions, please contact shanet@taylorbennettfoundation.org.