G15 launches mentoring programme for minority ethnic colleagues in development

A mentoring programme encouraging talented Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues to become leaders of tomorrow has been launched.

The G15 recognise the importance of nurturing and supporting talent in the housing sector and has created the G15 Development Director’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Network.

The programme is open to those working in Development and Sales from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and 19 colleagues from the G15 group of housing associations have signed up, and is being officially announced to coincide with Housing Diversity Day and the beginning of Black History Month.

Bunmi Atta, Director of Construction at Optivo, is one of the mentors on the programme and has helped lead on setting up the new network.

She said: “I really believe that mentoring can help springboard careers. Those of us who have attained senior positions have a duty, and indeed desire, to support colleagues develop their careers. We’ve brought together some of the top voices in our sector to share their knowledge and experience.”

Cezar, a mentee, said: “I am hungry to grow and develop and being part of this programme is absolutely fabulous. I cannot express in words how grateful I am.”

The G15 group will be working in partnership with UNIFY to deliver this inaugural mentoring network.

UNIFY is a collective of Black, Asian & Ethnically diverse groups in the housing sector. They have an overarching goal to increase inclusion opportunities at all levels and to ensure the rich diversity of staff in housing organisations is visibly reflected across all areas.

Alozie Ohuonu, project lead for UNIFY, said:

“UNIFY are delighted to be working in partnership with the G15 Development Director’s group to deliver an inaugural mentoring network. UNIFY is a collective of Black, Asian & Ethnically diverse groups in the Housing sector with an overarching goal to increase inclusion opportunities at all levels. We passionately believe that this programme is one of the important ways in which we can help to increase representation. We believe the Black, Asian and Ethnically diverse community is not only adequately qualified but well prepared right now to take on important roles at all levels. The G15 & UNIFY are giving you an opportunity to tap into a network of Development & Sales industry leaders with proven know-how. Whether formal or informal, mentoring is a powerful catalyst for career development and shared experiences.”

The programme is due to run for up to 12 months.