We're building a mentoring programme and need your help!

I’m excited to share that we’re developing a mentoring programme for members of The Land Collective! Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of young people through workshops, insight days and training. However, there’s something that group sessions can’t always offer and that’s a consistent, trusted relationship with someone who has already navigated the path they’re on.

We’re now welcoming applications from professionals across the built environment who want to support the next generation through one-to-one mentoring. The full programme will run for six months, with monthly check-ins and optional group meetups. Matches will be made intentionally based on values, working style and career stage.

What I’ve noticed

As Founder, I’ve been asked time and time again to create a mentoring programme under The Land Collective. I’ve always held back. That’s not because I didn’t believe in the idea, but because I know the energy and care it takes to deliver something that’s truly meaningful.

I’ve had the opportunity to design leadership and development programmes that include mentoring as a core part of the experience, so I’ve seen what works in practice and what tends to fall short. There are already some great mentoring initiatives in this space, and I didn’t want to create something that felt like a carbon copy of what already exists. If we were going to do it, it had to feel considered, with room for difference, both in terms of who takes part and how they’re supported.

In the form, you’ll notice some specific questions based on mentoring archetypes we’ve developed. These are designed to help mentors step into the experience without guesswork. We also ask about preferred mentee personalities, levels of confidence and career stages, to make sure we build thoughtful matches that actually work for both sides.

A lot of mentoring programmes centre the mentee, which is understandable, but it often leaves mentors trying to adapt themselves to a model that doesn’t reflect how they naturally support others. I want mentors to feel prepared, confident and understood. That only happens when the design of a programme makes space for their perspective too.

We’ve also decided to remove job titles and company names from the selection process. Mentees won’t be choosing their mentor based on branding or prestige. We’ve made this decision to reduce bias and to encourage matches based on chemistry, not assumptions about influence.

I’m hoping to launch this programme by the end of Q4 or start of Q1 at the latest. This cohort will be the pilot and we’re taking the time to get it right. If you’d like to be part of it, either as a mentor, a referrer, or a supporter, I’d love to hear from you.

What we’re looking for

We ask that you have at least three years of experience and are thoughtful, consistent, and open to sharing your perspective.

Maybe you’ve been mentored yourself and want to pay it forward. Maybe you enjoy supporting others and want to be more intentional about it. Or maybe you simply know that someone like you could have made a big difference to you, earlier on.

If that sounds like you, we’d love for you to join as a mentor.

We’re also particularly keen to hear from professionals who can support early-career mentees with lived experiences that are often underrepresented in the industry. That might include those navigating confidence gaps, being the first in their family to work in a professional setting, or trying to find their voice in environments that don’t always feel built for them.

What’s involved

Mentors will attend a short onboarding session and meet their mentee once a month for six months. We’ll provide structure, support and check-ins throughout. You’ll also have the option to attend or host in-person gatherings like the programme welcome session or a wrap-up event.

You’ll be able to select the kind of mentee you feel best placed to support, and let us know what your strengths are when it comes to mentoring. This isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s designed to be human and well-matched.

Support us further

If you or your organisation would like to sponsor this programme, please get in touch.

As a small team, venue support, funding for mentee travel or resources, and general programme costs make a huge difference to our ability to deliver this well.

If you can help or would like to open this up to colleagues, please reach out.