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Mentoring 

The Women in Defence UK mentoring programme is a unique cross sector opportunity where mentors and mentees from defence public sector are matched with mentors and mentees from the defence private sector. This ground breaking programme offers an opportunity for talented future leaders to be supported as they navigate challenges, share knowledge, and gain different perspectives. Through participation, they can develop greater confidence, representing an investment in their future, especially during a critical stage in  their careers when retention is key. 

Working with Moving Ahead

Developed in partnership with Women in Defence UK, the programme is run by Moving Ahead, a specialist in structured, cross-company mentoring and development programmes. Mentoring is one of their expert offerings and a core lever in how they create tangible change. To date, they have supported more than 40,000 participants globally, from 477 organisations in over 70 countries across 30 sectors. 

World-class speakers

The nine-month programme is ready-to-go, easy to implement and highly structured. Mentor-mentee pairs meet every four to six weeks, supported by:

  • Five learning events featuring world-class speakers
  • Thought-provoking content designed to deepen reflection and accelerate development
  • Access to a dedicated learning hub with recordings, resources and tools
  • Ongoing support from the Moving Ahead team to guide participants at every stage.

Women's advancement 

Since launching six years ago, more than 1,600 participants from 32 organisations have taken part. The 2024 cohort reported significant benefits, with approximately 75% saying they would recommend the programme to a colleague.

These results show the programme's wider organisational value in enabling greater confidence, stronger leadership capability, improve cross-sector understanding and enhance diversity of thought.

Move ahead, with Moving Ahead

Get the full lowdown about our mentoring programme.

Download the brochure

My mentor has greatly helped me with my confidence and has supported me through a challenging time at work by listening and supporting the actions I have made, challenging me to go outside my comfort zone.

Mentee

Our impact

52% of mentees achieved promotion, expanded responsibilities or moved into new roles.

Over 60% felt more confident and empowered to problem-solve.

40% of mentees are seeing the workplace differently, with more than a third feeling their mentor has sparked ideas they wouldn't have thought of otherwise

51% of mentors increased their awareness of workplace barriers faced by others.

Upcoming

26th March

Midway Event 

20th  May

Development Lab 2

The next programme begins in October 2026.

If your organisation would like to explore joining the programme, please contact us via the button below. We would be delighted to welcome you into the Women in Defence UK mentoring community.

Get in touch