The Analysis Function (AF) vision for Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is to create a truly diverse and inclusive analysis community that is reflective of the UK society we serve. To support this, this time last year we published our D&I Strategy for 2021-24, which outlines the function we want to create and how we will achieve this.
This week the AF is launching a key commitment within the strategy; a Mutual Mentoring programme. Mutual mentoring is a partnership. By combining 'traditional' mentoring with reverse mentoring, the programme's key objectives are twofold:
- To support more senior analysts to increase their understanding of the diverse experiences of, and barriers faced by, AF members, enabling them to consider how to make their own leadership and teams more inclusive.
- To empower more junior analysts to discuss their experiences with their seniors, whilst also benefitting from meaningful career discussions and opportunities.
A message from our Senior Sponsor, Rannia Leontaridi (Director General, Aviation, Maritime and Security at the Department for Transport)
"I am delighted to have taken on the role of Senior Sponsor for Diversity & Inclusion within the Analysis Function (AF) and am committed to supporting the AF to create a truly diverse and inclusive analysis community that is reflective of the UK society we serve.
As a function of roughly 17,000, we must all take full advantage of the opportunity this offers to expand our networks across departments and professions. The AF Mutual Mentoring programme is a brilliant opportunity to learn from each other. As leaders, we must listen and create safe spaces for colleagues to share their lived experiences, and we must be open to reflecting on our own leadership behaviours and trying something different. This programme will support us to build more inclusive teams within our function and, in turn, will enable our senior leaders to support more junior analysts by offering valuable guidance on development and career progression."
How will it work?
Mentoring partnerships will be formed between a Senior Civil Servant (SCS) analyst and an analyst who is Grade 6 or below. Both partners will experience being both a mentor and a mentee, with sessions split into two halves to include a reverse mentoring-style discussion about D&I followed by a more traditional mentoring discussion.
Arranging matches outside of your department and core profession, the programme will be a great cross-government networking opportunity. There will also be informal opportunities to meet other programme participants, discuss your experiences and share learning.
Who can take part?
For those Grade 6 and below, the programme is open for AF members who consider there to be barriers placed on their career progression in relation to the protected characteristics, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The programme is open to all Senior Civil Service analysts.
Will there be training?
Training sessions will be held online in March 2022. The sessions will introduce mutual mentoring and will outline expectations of both members in the partnership.
Both members will be asked to sign a mentoring agreement. This will establish agreed ground rules and confidentiality within mentoring partnerships.
What is the time commitment?
Mentoring partnerships will be expected to meet once a month between April and September 2022.
