ShopperVista

Reverse mentoring programme

12 February 2025

A free cross-company programme that fosters understanding of what great inclusion looks like.

Our ambition is to create a more inclusive industry by supporting companies to drive positive cultural change.

By working together, we can create a more inclusive workforce, impacting the lives of the millions of people working in our industry.

Through this mentoring programme, we are creating a safe and collaborative space for leaders (mentees) to hear the lived-in experiences of those from under-represented groups (reverse mentors).

This will help build knowledge and understanding of what great inclusion looks like and gives leaders the confidence to take action.

Benefits of reverse mentoring

The reverse mentoring programme will:

Create the opportunity for the mentee (senior leader) to hear diverse perspectives, to generate better awareness and understanding of inclusion and to ultimately inspire action within their own organisations.
Create the opportunity for under-represented groups (reverse mentor) to share their views on inclusion and build a senior network.
Connect people across different companies and help build cross-industry networks.

How does it work?

Mentoring partnerships are made up of two individuals from different, non-competing companies across the food and consumer goods industry.

Reverse mentoring partnerships comprise:

A mentee – a senior person who can impact the business culture (typically Director, General Manager, Head of level). Someone looking to broaden their understanding of inclusion and who wants to be part of leading change in our industry.
A reverse mentor from an under-represented background who would benefit from the opportunity to grow an external network and support a mentee to broaden their knowledge and understanding of inclusion. Someone who wants to be part of leading change in our industry.

What is the time commitment?

Participants will need to commit 5 hours over a 3–4-month period, as follows:

Virtual welcome event (1 hour)
Mentoring sessions (3 hours)
Drop-in sessions (optional)
Virtual wrap up event (1 hour)

When do you have intakes?

Intake one: 12 February - 7 May, survey deadline 29 January 2025
Intake two: 9 April - 9 July, survey deadline 26 March 2025
Intake three: 4 June - 10 September, survey deadline 21 May 2025
Intake four: 8 October - 14 January, survey deadline 24 September 2025

Next steps

Working in an HR or I&D team and think your company would like to take part in this programme?

Register via the form below and we will be in touch to arrange a call to share further details and support available to help you share this opportunity.

Testimonials

"One of the biggest learnings that I take away from the programme is that there are huge benefits from taking the time to understand and truly listen to personal reflections, it enables an honest exchange of experiences where both partners can learn."

Sinead Bell, Commercial Director – Food, Co-op

"The importance of putting yourself in the shoes of the other person to understand their viewpoint. Of speaking up, being confident and bold to initiate change, being proactive to create a perception rather than waiting for others to assume something incorrect."

James Amar, Managing Director, RH Amar

"The programme has given me the confidence in myself to push my own comfort zone, share my story and believe that I can be who I want and progress my career at the same time."

Reverse Mentor

“I was able to share my learning with my team, also this opportunity gave me self-validation, Speaking to my Mentee, who was interested in my story, my advice and my suggestion massively boosted my confidence.”