1. Mutual Mentoring Building a more inclusive Civil Service Information for potential mentors – February 2016

2. What is Mutual Mentoring? The Mutual Mentoring programme is an opportunity for more junior colleagues from diverse backgrounds to mentor and engage with the Top 200 Civil Servants for 6 mentoring sessions across 6 months. The scheme is designed to provide an open and honest environment to spark discussions around creating and delivering inclusive work practices, and to foster a joint learning experience for both parties. It is also a great opportunity for junior staff to interact with a senior colleague and help their leaders to develop a greater depth of understanding and insight around our people and our business, leading to a more inclusive organisation. 2Mutual Mentoring 2016

3. The Programme The programme will take place across 6 months in the following stages: Selection: Mentors will apply and go through a selection process. They will then be matched to mentees, aligned to achieve the best mix of diversity in backgrounds and experiences so that leaders are exposed to different people who may have different ways of working. Agreement: Once they have been paired, the mentor and mentee will enter into an agreement with one another to ensure a rich experience and demonstrate their commitment to the mentoring relationship. Planning: Mentors will go through an induction programme lasting approximately 2.5 hours. They will then arrange a meeting with their mentee to define a clear set of objectives and to create a mentoring plan to strengthen diversity awareness and inclusive practices. Mentoring: The mentor drives the one-on-one interactions for the remainder of their mutual agreement. Typically you will meet for 30 minutes- 1 hour per month for the six month programme, unless both parties wish to expand their agreement. 3Mutual Mentoring 2016

4. The Benefits This is a chance for mentors to; Engage with top SCS members and help them to develop their insight into diversity issues Help to shape the way your department addresses diversity and inclusion issues Learn from a member of the Top 200; what they’re focused on and how they are working to improve the culture of their departments This is a chance for mentees to; Engage a diverse range of staff who want to support senior leaders Access honest staff feedback on their approach to diversity and inclusion Improve departmental capability to communicate with and develop diverse talent. 4Mutual Mentoring 2016

5. Testimonials (from the BIS mutual mentoring programme) Mentors: “It felt good to share and educate knowing that someone at the top was listening and genuinely recognising some of the things I was sharing. There was no embarrassment and discomfort during our conversation so we both benefited from the discussions.” Mentees: “I have been reminded that somebody’s curiosity might be someone else’s insecurity. I now actively consider my response to different languages or conversation styles in the office.” “My commitment as a role model moving forward is to use the influence I have to ask the right questions and challenge the organisation to be doing the right things on aspects of diversity.” 5Mutual Mentoring 2016

6. Criteria We are looking for colleagues from any grade and department to take part in the 2016 Mutual Mentoring programme. The programme would be best suited to those from the following traditionally underrepresented groups, including but not limited to: Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Female Those with disabilities LGB&T Lower socio-economic backgrounds 6Mutual Mentoring 2016

7. Applying to be a mentor Mentor pairs will be expected to meet at least six times in the six month duration of the programme. Mentors will be invited to an induction event and given support and guidance throughout the process. If you would like to apply please write a short statement explaining why you would like to take part and what you feel you can contribute, and fill out the attached diversity questionnaire. Both documents should then be returned to mutual.mentoring@cabinetoffice.gov.uk If you have any issues or further questions please contact nicola.elder@cabinetoffice.gov.uk 7Mutual Mentoring 2016