GovWire

The FE leadership mentoring programme is part of the active support available to all colleges and designated institutions.

The programme supports existing and aspiring leaders with high potential to develop and progress in their careers as well as assisting them in their current role. It also aims to create a stronger and more diverse pipeline to the most senior roles in further education.

Mentors are fully funded by the Department for Education and there is no cost to colleges. Places are limited and we expect mentees to commit the necessary time to participating.

Eligibility

The programme provides mentors to the following staff in the FE sector:

• chief executives
• principals
• finance directors
• senior leaders and managers

We are encouraging applications from staff with protected characteristics who are underrepresented in college leadership positions.

Priority will be given to those who have not previously been on the FE leadership mentoring programme.

Support available

FE staff who join the programme will receive up to 18 hours of one-to-one leadership mentoring over a 6-month period.

The timing and duration of each mentoring session will be agreed between the mentor and mentee. We expect that most meetings will take place online, although we recommend that the first session is conducted face to face at the mentees place of work to give the mentor a better understanding of the context in which the mentee is working.

Our mentors

Our leadership mentors are highly skilled, with extensive experience in the FE sector.

They have previously held posts as chief executives, principals and finance directors at FE colleges. They have many years of expertise in:

• leadership
• change management
• curriculum and quality
• business planning
• teaching and learning
• governance

Our mentors with financial expertise have worked on developing and implementing financial strategies and recovery plans and on providing financial leadership for mergers.

How to apply

Email FE.COMMISSIONER@education.gov.uk to request an application form or with any queries.

Places on the first round of the programme are limited. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2023. Applicants who do not secure a place, or whose applications are submitted after the deadline, will be considered for the next round of the programme, during the 2023 to 2024 academic year.