Women in Defence UK is proud to partner with Moving Ahead to deliver a cross-sector mentoring programme designed to strengthen the pipeline of talent across the defence ecosystem.
Unlike traditional mentoring programmes, this initiative unites the defence public sector and defence private sector in a structured, thoughtfully curated manner. Armed Forces, Civil Service, and private sector professionals are paired across organisational and sector boundaries, gaining honest external perspectives from individuals who understand the defence context but bring very different experiences and approaches. The result is richer conversations, broader thinking, and practical guidance that support meaningful growth.
As an award-winning mentoring and development organisation, Moving Ahead brings trusted expertise, delivery excellence and measurable impact. With over 40,000 mentors and mentees supported across 450+ organisations in more than 70 countries and 43 sectors, their experience is unmatched and their insight into advancing women’s development and progression is proven.
A powerful cross-sector experience
Our mentoring programme offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations to learn from both public and private defence environments. This cross-fertilisation of ideas helps build understanding, strengthen collaboration and broaden perspectives across the sector. Participants frequently report that stepping outside their immediate context helps them see challenges and opportunities in new ways, strengthening their decision-making and accelerating development.
Supporting women to advance and thrive
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.
Recent outcomes include:
- 52% of mentees achieved promotions, expanded responsibilities or moved into new roles
- Over 60% felt more confident and empowered to problem-solve
- 47% reported seeing their workplace differently
- More than a third said their mentor sparked ideas they would not have considered otherwise
- 51% of mentors increased their awareness of workplace barriers faced by others
These results show the programme’s wider organisational value in enabling greater confidence, stronger leadership capability, improved cross-sector understanding and enhanced diversity of thought.
World-class speakers and content
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
Move ahead, with Moving Ahead
Get the full lowdown about our mentoring programme.
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
Over 60% of mentees felt more confident and empowered to problem solve
52% of mentees have expanded responsibilities, been promoted or moved roles since participating in the programme
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
30% of mentors already say their awareness of the barriers for others in the workplace has heightened
How it works
Pairs meet every 4–6 weeks across the nine-month journey, with full access to online learning, event recordings and practical resources throughout. Moving Ahead provides continuous support to ensure mentors and mentees get the most from their experience
Upcoming
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.