Mentoring
Applications are now open for our 2026-27 Mentoring Programme, designed to help develop commercial and people skills, confidence, strategic thinking and performance. You can take part as a mentor or mentee – no experience is required, as all training will be provided.
Who can be a mentee?
- You might be in a junior, supervisor, management, or head of department role
- You could work in any area of the sector, in any location, and be of any age
- We welcome people from under-represented groups within the cultural sector
- We also encourage people not usually in a position of leadership or management, who want to develop skills and confidence
Included in the programme is a half-day mentee training session with our mentoring expert, to help you get the most out of the experience and think about how to set your goals.
Who can be a mentor?
- You might be a head of department, team leader, or director/CEO
- You’ll have some line management or leadership experience
- You get a sense of satisfaction from helping others develop and learn
- You’re someone who wants to ‘give back’ to the wider community and the cultural sector
- You’d like to develop your own mentoring and leadership skills, including emotional intelligence
Not only is this a valuable opportunity to pass on your experience and give something back to the sector, but integrating simple performance coaching techniques can help you to get the best out of your team.
“It’s incredibly hard to put into words what this programme has meant to me. By working closely with my fantastic mentor, and checking in regularly with other mentees, I’ve grown exponentially in confidence, which brings with it real pride. It’s not often that you’re able to stop and pause before you move forward in your career, so thank you to the Association for giving me the opportunity to do so.”
Lianne, Mentee 2024
National Memorial Arboretum“Being a first time mentee, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I soon found that my mentor and I were a perfect match, she has helped me to navigate some really tough times at work and come out of the other end with a new level of confidence. Having someone to hold me accountable to my own goals has been so encouraging and productive.”
Jessica Kendall, Mentee 2023
The Art House“It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience to be a part of this programme. I am so glad I signed up! I have had the pleasure of working with an engaged and brilliant mentee and we will continue to be in touch. As a first-time official mentor, I felt prepared for the journey from the great training provided and the support of the Association. I would definitely recommend to anyone considering taking part.”
Hannah Oxley, Mentor 2023
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew“The Cultural Enterprises Mentoring Scheme is simply brilliant – providing future leaders in our sector with a space to reflect, consider their approach and access direct support. As a mentor, I’ve found the process incredibly rewarding, not least because of the support provided by the Association. I hope it continues for many years to come.”
Chris Snow, Mentor 2022
Edinburgh Festival Fringe SocietyEmerging Leadership Programme
Apply now for this fully accredited programme designed to help cultivate, develop and inspire the next generation of commercial leaders within the cultural sector.
Delivered online and in person over several modules, the comprehensive course will help you identify key leadership strengths and develop core skills in order to become a more self-aware, confident and effective leader. Starts 10 September 2026.
