CIC-START MENTORING SCHEME

Data from our CiC Census 2020 indicated that two thirds of respondents were interested in being mentored by a fellow supporter while three quarters were interested in becoming a mentor. 

With that in mind, in July 2020 we launched the CiC-Start Mentoring Scheme – to offer mentoring opportunities for our growing base, especially our younger supporters. This was their chance to either learn from the best that the industry has to offer or for others to share their best practices.  

The scheme opened to all supporters of Tories in Comms and, where possible, we endeavoured to match mentors and mentees with a common interest.

It was decided that the programme would run on a six-month rotational basis for 40 supporters beginning September 2020 through to February 2021. We would match 20 professionals seeking to get ahead in their careers with 20 others who can listen and offer their counsel. And we encouraged pairs to maintain those relationships after the period ends.   

Each relationship would be personal and defined by the two individuals involved, however we asked participants to commit to one initial hour-long introductory meeting (call, video or in-person) to get to know each other. After that, we recommended a minimum of one engagement each month throughout the scheme. We would then seek their feedback.   

After the first round of pairings from September to February 2020, we ran the scheme for a second time from April to October 2021 and a third time from December 2021 to February 2022.