Disability Connect have launched a mentoring programme for 2025 aimed at matching high potential disabled individuals to industry professionals to help with career progression and aspirations. The disability employment gap remains significantly high. At the last quarter of 2023, the employment rate for disabled people aged 16 to 64 was 52.6%, compared to 82.5% for non-disabled people. Disabled people also have even lower representation in senior roles. Initiatives like the DCMP aims to help reduce these gaps.
January – September 2025
8 hours (six one-hour mentoring sessions and two hours for training and admin).
Online. There is space for a maximum of 20 mentors and 20 mentees in this cohort.
Disability Connect is a not-for-profit organisation focused on sharing lived disability experience. The aim of the DCMP is to empower disabled people to realise their potential and achieve their goals.
There is no cost to mentors and mentees to take part in the mentoring programme.
The date is approaching fast for the closing date to apply to be a mentor or mentee
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You will work with your mentee throughout the scheme, supporting them to set goals and reach their potential. You will share your experience, skills and knowledge to help them succeed in their career progression or when exploring career aspirations. You will need to be well established in your field and dedicate your time and commitment to your mentee. You don’t need to have lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition, however, this may be advantageous in the mentoring relationship.
Being a mentor on the scheme is an incredibly rewarding experience. You can put your skills and experience to use in a new and different way to support and develop others. You can also network with other mentors and mentees.
To apply to the scheme, you will need to complete a short application form available here detailing your previous skills and experience and your reasons for applying. You may be asked to attend an informal conversation to discuss your motivations for applying. The deadline for applications is Friday 24th January at 5pm.
You will need to have a disability or long-term health condition to take part in the scheme. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the scheme. You will be given a dedicated space to explore your career progression and aspirations to support you to reach your goals. You will be given a unique opportunity to work with an executive mentor and will be given support, guidance and advice.
To apply you must be seeking or currently in employment or education. You must show high potential, dedication and interest in career development and invest time into the mentoring relationship. You will need to complete a short application form available here sharing your background and how the mentoring programme will benefit you. You may be asked to attend an informal conversation to discuss your motivations for applying. The deadline for applications is Friday 24th January at 5pm.
Monday 6th January – Applications for mentors and mentees open
Friday 24th January 5pm – Applications mentors and mentees close
Friday 7th February – Mentors and mentees informed of results and next steps
March – September – Mentoring sessions taking place with approximately one session per month
September TBC – Wrap up, scheme evaluation and graduation
If you have any questions or require more information, please contact info@disabilityconnect.org.uk