University launch BAME mentoring programme in collaboration with TalkTalk

The scheme aims to support students from the BAME community reach their potential, giving them the confidence to achieve their goals. Twelve students from across the University have been identified as individuals who would benefit from the programme and have been chosen for the pilot. They will be invited to attend group mentoring sessions hosted by industry partner TalkTalk focusing on career paths and challenges they might face. In addition, they will get one-to-one sessions with a personal mentor.

Empower is TalkTalk’s employee network focused on race and ethnicity. The vision for the community is to ensure the true representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals at all levels of the business. The network creates a safe space for all colleagues to explore topical issues they feel passionate about and celebrates the differences they have through the community. It aims to educate about the experiences that black and minority ethnic people have in corporate spaces and works to positive influence the business through consultation, learning and talent.

Jennifer Hinsley, Head of Industry Partnerships at the University, said: “The employability of our students is a priority for us, so we need to support them in every way that we can. We are always looking at ways we can work creatively with our industry partners. This initiative draws on the success TalkTalk has had with its own Empower network.

“We have a strong representation of BAME students across all our subjects and proactively promote diversity and inclusion at every part of their journey with us. We have taken learnings from their successes and are delighted to run a collaborative six-month pilot that focuses on mentoring a small group of students that we feel would be motivated by such a scheme.”

At the core of this scheme is the sharing of knowledge and experience from successful TalkTalk employees who will be acting as role models.

Sam Davys, Early Careers Manager at TalkTalk, said: “Supporting the local community and diverse talent is essential and we are thrilled to be a part of this brand-new initiative to mentor students at the University of Salford. Inclusion is at the core of everything we do at TalkTalk and we are continuously striving to strengthen our relationship with Greater Manchester organisations and our local community.

“Our internal employee network, Empower, provides a safe space for our colleagues to engage and navigate challenging topics, where support is front and centre. Our TalkTalk mentors will transfer key learnings from this network and their wealth of experience to inspire and motivate the students receiving the mentoring on this program.”

The results of the pilot scheme will be evaluated and if a success the programme will be rolled-out to a wider pool of BAME students at the University.