HR mentoring program run by CIPD Trust sees nearly half of its participants securing senior roles, promoting diversity in leadership positions
The CIPD Trust Aspiring HR Directors' Programme, established in 2019, has been instrumental in driving diversity within senior leadership in the people profession. Over the past few years, the programme has supported up-and-coming HR professionals through 9-12 months of mentoring by senior HR leaders, with remarkable results.
According to the 2023-2024 cohort, an impressive 81% experienced a positive change in their employment status within the first six months of the programme. Moreover, 78% of mentees reported improved self-confidence, and a staggering 94% felt better equipped to advance in their careers.
One of the key elements of the programme is mentoring, with Emma Jayne, a mentor in the programme, emphasizing that mentoring is about being open, curious, and willing to learn. Krystle Siaw, an HR professional, was paired with Emma and secured an HR leadership role at the LEGO Group. Krystle expressed her gratitude, stating that Emma helped her understand what she needed to thrive and communicate with confidence.
The programme's success is not limited to individual stories. At least half of the 124 mentees supported by the programme have been promoted, including to HR Director or Chief People Officer roles. Sally Eley, Head of the CIPD Trust, highlighted the programme's invaluable impact, stating that it has been instrumental in driving diversity within senior leadership in the people profession.
The Leading with purpose: opening doors to senior HR roles report, while not directly referenced in the search results, suggests that organisations aiming to open senior HR roles to diverse candidates should implement intentional recruitment, development programmes and mentorship, inclusive workplace culture, and accountability and measurement. These recommendations align with the practices employed by the CIPD Trust Aspiring HR Directors' Programme.
Furthermore, the report recommends implementing policies and approaches that reduce barriers to entry at the senior levels of HR, such as supporting flexible working and hiring for skills, rather than a prescriptive set of experiences. This approach is reflected in the programme's focus on equipping diverse HR professionals with necessary leadership skills and strategic experience.
Interested individuals can register to mentor a future people director by getting in touch with the CIPD Trust. By doing so, they can contribute to the programme's ongoing success and help shape the future of HR leadership.
The CIPD Trust Aspiring HR Directors' Programme not only facilitates career development and skills training, but also fosters personal growth by providing 9-12 months of mentoring by senior HR leaders, resulting in significant improvements in self-confidence and career advancement opportunities for mentees.
Beyond individual success, this programme, with its focus on diversity and inclusive practices, has been instrumental in bringing about a change in senior leadership in the people profession, with at least half of its mentees being promoted to HR Director or Chief People Officer roles.
