Marvin OnumonuCIPD Trust’s HR mentoring programme has seen over 60 participants promoted to senior roles since launching in 2019, according to its latest report.
The aspiring HR directors’ programme was set up to help people from underrepresented backgrounds step up in their careers by pairing them with senior HR mentors for 9 to 12 months.
So far, 124 mentees have taken part across 10 cohorts, and at least half have moved into senior positions such as HR director or chief people officer.
The report, ‘Leading with purpose: opening doors to senior HR roles’, showed that in the 2023-2024 cohort, 78% of mentees said their self-confidence improved, 81% reported a positive change in their employment status within the first six months, 94% felt better equipped to move forward in their careers, and all felt more skilled to progress in HR.
Sally Eley, head of the CIPD Trust, said: “We’re very proud of our Aspiring HRD Programme, which has been invaluable in driving diversity within senior leadership in the people profession.
“The results speak for themselves, and the positive impact extends beyond these individuals.
“Mentors have described how the programme has helped them to expand their leadership capabilities and broaden their perspectives, while employers have benefitted from more inclusive practices.”
Eley added: “Through initiatives like these we’ll continue to champion the growth of the next generation of HR leaders and help to positively shape organisations.”
The report set out recommendations for employers to diversify their senior HR teams.
These included making leadership more visible by encouraging senior staff to share their career journeys, using mentoring as part of learning and development, helping HR professionals at manager level work across different business areas, and reducing barriers to senior roles like supporting flexible working and hiring for skills over set experience.
