Mentoring support for leaders

Apply now for our latest Leadership Mentoring Programme

We’re delighted to announce that the next cohort of our popular Leadership Mentoring Programme is now open for applications. The scheme runs from June – December 2025.

The programme is a leadership development opportunity for people working or volunteering in voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in North Yorkshire. We want to support new leaders and emerging leaders to grow and realise their potential, with the aim of strengthening organisations and our communities.

We provide you with an experienced mentor and offer a safe space for reflection, support or planning over a period of six months.

Mentoring is a relationship where one person gives time voluntarily to support another.

The mentor brings their knowledge and experience, together with their ability to listen and ask questions, to help you move forward with organisational issues you wish to address.

Find out more at our upcoming information session

To help you find out more about how you could benefit from applying to be a mentor or mentee, we are holding a special online information session on Wednesday 30 April from 1pm. The session – Leadership for Impact – Leadership Mentoring Information Session – will hear from previous mentors and mentees about their experiences of the programme. They’ll also be giving their insider tips on applying for the June 2025 cohort. Book your place here.

 

Who is the mentoring for?
  • New and emerging leaders in the VCSE sector in North Yorkshire
  • You might be employed by a charity or organisation, or be a volunteer or trustee
  • Leaders who have recently moved to a new or more senior role
  • Leaders who are new to the voluntary sector or who are new to North Yorkshire.

We envisage emerging leaders as those with 3-6 years’ experience leading teams, projects, volunteers. If you don’t quite fit this criteria, but still think you could benefit from the Leadership Mentoring programme, please get in touch leadership@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk  or call 01904 704177 if you have any questions.

How does it work?

We have a range of mentors and we will match your mentoring needs with our experienced sector leaders. All our mentors are trained by Coaching York and are offered ongoing professional support.

Things to know
  • Before the programme starts you will need to attend a training session with Coaching York to discuss what to expect from the programme and your mentor.
  • The mentoring will run for six months, and you will meet once a month with your mentor for an hour.
  • There will be an online mid-point evaluation and an online end of programme event for all mentees.
  • Following the six months mentoring programme you will be given the opportunity to join a peer learning group to continue your learning and we will let you know about further learning opportunities.
  • There is no cost for this programme.

Read our programme Q&A
Get the lowdown on the programme

Great leaders aren’t born – they developed! Being a leader can be a challenge and even the most experience professional benefits from a bit of guidance – there’s always something to learn, whether as a mentor or a mentee.

To explain more about the programme and answer a myriad of questions, Mike Hickman, Leadership Development and Training Manager at Community First Yorkshire, takes a deep dive with this Q&A.

Read our Q&A here

How to apply

We have now opened applications for the next cohort of leadership mentors and mentees, the programme runs from June – December 2025.

  • Interested in becoming a mentor on the programme? Please complete the application form below by 16 May.
  • Interested in becoming a mentee on the programme? Please complete the application form below by 30 May.
MENTOR APPLICATION FORM
MENTEE APPLICATION FORM

Be inspired by what our mentors and mentees say

Don’t just take our word for it about how great our Leadership Mentoring programme is. Hear what our mentors and mentees have to say themselves.

Leaders journeys

Inspiration to apply

Whether you are a potential mentor or mentee, watch these quick video clips to hear from our Leadership Development and Training Manager, Mike Hickman, about why this is an opportunity not to be missed!

Please contact leadership@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk or call 01904 704177 if you have any questions.

A huge thank you to our Leadership Mentors and The University of York Organisational Development Team who helped establish this programme. Thanks also go to our training partner, Coaching York, who support our mentors.

This programme is delivered by people who believe in the power of mentoring and who want to see our sector thrive. We have a dedicated team of volunteer mentors, who give their time and expertise willingly and freely.

Find out about our Leadership Mentors