Course overview

While mentoring has undoubtedly made an impact in diversity and inclusion, traditional hierarchical approaches and reverse mentoring both have limited impact. Both focus on changing the mindsets of individuals, but don’t impact the systems, which create inequality and hidden discrimination. They may even reinforce existing systems, by creating examples of people, who have “worked the system”, as if that were the answer.

Reciprocal mentoring aims to change those systems. It brings together senior and junior employees in co-learning partnerships, which identify barriers to equality and diversity. The pairs come together to address those barriers at an organisational level, bringing about change from both above and below.

This unique programme, trialled in organisations in England, educates senior and junior co-learners to work together to stimulate deep and lasting change both for themselves and for the organisation. Topics covered include how to manage power distance in the relationship, how to recognise and illuminate systemic barriers and how to bring about collaborative change. Participants also gain an extensive toolkit of advanced mentoring practice.

The programme is accompanied by a guide for programme managers and extensive materials for participants. Participants also receive one-year free access to the Coaching and Mentoring Resource.

Course Dates

Course Details

  • Any organisation serious about becoming an exemplar of good diversity practice.
  • Our programs are designed to be flexible in their delivery. Generally we offer programs in one of these formats:
  • 6 x 4-hour virtual sessions, plus some self-organised study.
  • 3-day virtual programme, plus some self-organised study.
  • 3-day face to face programme, plus some self-organised study.
  • Classroom Group Practice & Practical
  • Typical course size – 12 to 24 delegates
  • Individual & Group Reflection
  • Coursework: Reflective assignment

As a broad outline, we spend approximately 40% teaching theories and models, 30% in co-learning (discussions, questions, breakouts) and 30% in  learning and practicing tools & techniques.

  • Addresses the issues of diversity and inclusion at the point of greatest potential impact
  • Builds a deeper understanding of the systemic underpinnings of discrimination and how these can be addressed
  • Continuous improvement through membership of an international community of good practice in reciprocal mentoring

Book an in-house bespoke course

Bespoke in-house courses available provided by a CCMI Network Member in your local country.

If your country isn’t covered by a CCMI Network Member, or you need delivery across multiple countries, please contact us

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