Leadership and Peer Mentoring Programme for Foundations

Equipping middle and senior managers in grant-making organisations with the leadership skills and community of support to become stronger, more resilient change-makers for your teams, organisations and partners.

Register your interest
NELA Peer Mentoring

The leadership and peer mentoring advantage: your bridge to extraordinary change

As a passion and purpose-driven professional in a grant-making foundation, you wear many hats. You juggle complex projects, manage diverse teams and grantees, and navigate ever-changing landscapes. Without the right support and resources you may find yourself: 

  • Struggling to manage diverse teams: generational and cultural differences, personal challenges, insufficient line management skills can lead to misunderstandings, reduced team cohesion, lower productivity and diminished confidence.
  • In transactional relationships with grantees and beneficiaries: the absence of genuine connection can lead to overlooking valuable insights that diminish programme effectiveness, and missing opportunities for meaningful collaborations and long-term partnerships,
    hindering the potential for impactful initiatives and     personal fulfilment.
  • Struggling to maintain balance: the constant juggle between purpose-driven work responsibilities and personal commitments can lead to feelings of loneliness, stress and burnout, affecting both your personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
  • Missing out on peer learning, career progression and support: limited opportunities for co-learning and support can stifle innovation, slow down personal and organisational growth and hinder career advancement

 

These challenges can hinder your effectiveness and growth. Are you reaching your full potential – and empowering others to do the same?

We understand the unique challenges you face. That’s why we’ve designed the Leadership and Peer Mentoring Programme for Foundations, a transformative experience crafted specifically for middle and senior managers with leadership responsibilities for teams, grantees and/or partners.

Being able to step out of the day-to-day, share thoughts, and develop together as peers has been more important than I had imagined. I’d encourage anyone feeling lonely in their sustainability journey to take such an opportunity if they can.
Ben Allen
Director of ESG Issues at Principles for Responsible Investment​
The most significant change for me has been that I feel part of a network of people who are finding levers for change to create a sustainable world. It often feels lonely in this space and it is amazing to learn and connect with others.
Katherine
Katherine Hermans
Founder and Director at Global Changemakers

This isn’t a generic leadership course. This is a targeted online programme built on the power of leadership skills development and peer-to-peer learning and support to tackle those challenges head on.

Here's what you can gain from the programme

Comprehensive mentoring toolkit

Equip yourself with the skills, mindset, and confidence necessary to lead, nurture, and support others effectively.

Enhanced self-awareness and leadership

Improve your understanding of yourself and your leadership style, leading to more effective personal and professional interactions.

Practical mentoring and coaching models

Gain access to a variety of mentoring and coaching tools that you can apply when needed, enhancing your leadership effectiveness.

Trust-based relationship building

Develop the skills to have purposeful conversations that lead to meaningful results, strengthening your relationships within your team and beyond.

Network of supportive peers

Build a network with like-minded professionals, allowing you to learn from each other and grow collectively.

Safe practice environment

Refine your mentoring and coaching techniques in a safe environment with your peers, boosting your confidence and competence.



This programme is for middle and senior managers with leadership responsibilities for teams, grantees and/or partners who:

  • Build stronger and deeper human-centred relationships that foster belonging, learning and growth.
  • Provide constructive feedback and guidance that drive individual and collective performance.
  • Strengthen confidence, self and professional leadership.
  • Want to foster a culture of collaboration within and beyond your organisation, increasing opportunities, effectiveness and impact in the sector.
  • Be part of a community of peers to share experiences, insights, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Get practical, hands-on experience and ongoing support to enhance your success as a leader.

Why this programme stands out

Expert-led, peer-focused:
Our programme is facilitated by seasoned mentoring specialists, but the magic happens in the peer-to-peer connections and practice.

Actionable learning:
Go beyond theory with practical exercises, deep dive sector-specific conversations, and opportunities to practice your skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Long-term support:
This programme is more than a one-time workshop. We provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the journey.

Develop self & team leadership:
Learn mentoring and coaching skills that not only empower others but also elevate your own leadership abilities.

Course Curriculum

Module 1:

Understanding Mentoring and Relationships

Lay the groundwork for success! This module explores the benefits of peer mentoring for both you and your mentee, and equips you with the tools to build strong and supportive mentoring partnerships.

Module 2:

Practising Mentoring and Giving Feedback

Master the art of communication! Learn effective communication skills for impactful mentoring sessions, including techniques for providing constructive and supportive feedback.

Module 3:

Listening and Asking Effective Questions

Become an expert listener! Develop the power of active listening and how to ask insightful questions to truly empower your mentee’s growth and uncover their full potential.

Module 4:

Practising Mentoring and New Tools

Put your skills to the test! Apply your newfound knowledge through simulated mentoring sessions, receive feedback, and discover a toolbox of new resources to enhance your skills as a mentor.

Module 5:

Exploring the Mentor Toolkit

Solidify your success! Review key concepts and solidify your learning. Gain access to ongoing support systems and resources, and develop strategies to overcome any challenges you might face as a mentor.

Module 6:

Setting Up Your Mentoring Relationship for Success

Build the foundation for long-term impact! Learn how to establish a mentoring relationship with clear goals, strong trust, and mutual understanding, ensuring both you and your mentee are set up for ongoing success.

 

Invest in your growth

This 8-month programme is a journey of growth, spread across:

  • Live, Online Mentor Training Sessions: Develop your skills over six facilitated and interactive sessions led by our experts.
  • Matching & Getting Started: Connect with your peer-match for a mutually beneficial mentoring experience.
  • Leaders Deep Dive Conversations: Engage in focused sessions crafted around your specific leadership needs and chosen topics for discussion with your peers. 
  • Peer Calls and Check-in Surveys: Regularly connect with your peers and our team for focused discussions and ongoing support.
  • Graduation Ceremony: Celebrate your achievements with your cohort and mark the successful conclusion of your transformative journey. This supportive network will remain available, encouraging you to keep learning and growing together as leaders.
View Programme Schedule

Register your interest for the next cohort

Strengthen your leadership, forge stronger connections, join a peer community of learning and growth and build trust and empower others to achieve impactful results. This programme by The Human Edge will equip you with the skills and ongoing support to become a transformative leader in the foundation and social impact sector. Secure your spot today and join a network of passionate peers dedicated to driving real change and impact.

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Your Facilitators

Richard brings his devotion as a facilitator, coach and mentor to supporting the shift to regenerative leadership. Working with individuals and small teams, he challenges and encourages them to embrace future thinking in daily life, to be and act with a heart-centred openness to listen to and learn from each other. Richard joined The Human Edge in 2010 as a mentor and then as a facilitator. Ever since, he has co-designed and lead on mentoring and leadership programmes across MENA and sub-Saharan Africa, and he continues to volunteer as a mentor. Richard's career background includes business process re-engineering in more than 15 European businesses. Richard is a graduate (BA) in Modern Languages and is a trained Mighty Heart facilitator. He is a board advisor to Unifying Fields Foundation and also a trustee for the London Sports Trust.
Richard Bellars
Richard BellarsLead Facilitator, Coach & Mentor
Meryl joined The Human Edge as Project Manager in October 2021, where she excels in managing and co-facilitating mentoring and leadership programmes across various sectors, including not for profit, conservation and new economy initiatives. She leverages a comprehensive mentoring toolkit to deliver impactful programmes, focusing on skills, frameworks, mindset, and confidence to support and nurture participants. With a background in social work and a Master’s in International Development, Meryl brings deep expertise in community engagement from grassroots to operational levels. Her experience spans humanitarian projects with refugees in Morocco, Lebanon, and Greece, and managing an integration project in London for a UK charity. Meryl is passionate about fostering collaboration and connecting with like-minded peers. She is dedicated to combining her love for meaningful work with her role at The Human Edge, driving significant impact through mentoring and leadership development.
Meryl Jacques
Meryl JacquesProgramme Manager
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Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to help! For more information about this programme, please contact Kat Bury at kat@humanedge.org.uk. 

Peer mentoring involves connecting with a colleague at a similar level for a mutually beneficial learning experience. You’ll share experiences, support each other’s growth, and tackle challenges together.

Absolutely! We encourage group participation. To discuss potential group discounts and selecting multiple applicants on the application form, please contact Kat Bury at kat@humanedge.org.uk.

We understand that sometimes plans change. Our goal is to offer flexibility while ensuring we can manage our limited spaces effectively. Please review our cancellation policy below:
 
Cancellation Window:
  • Within 7 Days of Registration: You may cancel your registration for a full refund within 7 days of your initial sign-up date.
  • After 7 Days of Registration: If you cancel after 7 days but before the course starts, you will receive a 50% refund.
  • Within 28 Days Before Course Start Date: Cancellations made within 28 days of the course start date are non-refundable.

 

No-Show Policy:
  • If you do not attend the course and have not canceled your registration in advance, you will not be eligible for a refund.
 
Course Cancellation by The Human Edge:
  • In the unlikely event that we need to cancel the course, you will receive a full refund or have the option to transfer your registration to another available course.
 
Transfer Policy:
  • You may request to transfer your registration to another participant or to a future course, subject to availability and at the discretion of The Human Edge. Such requests must be made at least 28 days before the course start date.
 

Exceptional Circumstances:

  • We understand that unexpected situations can arise. If you need to cancel due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies), please contact us, and we will review your case individually.

 

For any cancellation or transfer requests, please contact our support team at meryl@humanedge.org.uk with your registration details.We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these policies, which help us manage our courses effectively and fairly.

Yes! Upon successful programme completion, you’ll receive either a certificate of participation or graduation.

This programme also positions you well for further accreditation as a mentor. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming an accredited mentor, please contact Kat Bury at kat@humanedge.org.uk.

The course will be delivered and facilitated in English and it is required that all participants are able to converse fluently in English.

We’d love to chat! Feel free to reach out to Kat Bury at kat@humanedge.org.uk to discuss your leadership goals and see if this programme is a good fit for you.

Yes, this is a transformative online experience designed for busy professionals. It offers the flexibility you need while providing valuable leadership development.

To get the most value from the course, we strongly encourage you to attend all sessions. The course is highly interactive and experiential, with the true benefits arising from active participation in exploratory conversations, practice sessions, and receiving feedback. Your presence and involvement are key to experiencing the full “magic” of the programme.

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