ZiDCEP Mentorship Programme

The ZIDCEP Mentorship Programme is a structured, three-month initiative designed to support professional growth, career development, and knowledge exchange within our community. It pairs experienced professionals (mentors) with early or mid-career members (mentees) for guided, one-to-one mentoring. The programme runs in cohort format, creating a shared start and finish timeline.

The programme runs in two cohorts each year: -Spring Cohort -Winter Cohort Each cohort runs for 3 months, with participants encouraged to meet regularly at agreed intervals.

Applications open ahead of each cohort with a clear cut-off date stated. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered for the next cohort. We encourage early applications to support effective matching.

After the application deadline, the ZiDCEP Mentorship Team carefully reviews all submissions. Matching is based on: * Professional background * Development goals * Areas of expertise * Availability * Potential for meaningful alignment Our priority is to create purposeful, high-quality mentoring relationships.

You can apply as a mentor if you: -Are interested in supporting and developing others -Are willing to commit to regular sessions for the 3 months -Have suitable industry experience and/or relevant expertise

You can apply as a mentee if you: -Have clear development goals -Are committed to actively participating for the full 3-month period

We recommend: -regular sessions throughout the mentorship programme -agreed session cadence and meeting duration for each session -commitment to preparation before meetings The time commitment is to be agreed between the mentorship pair at the start and should be manageable for both parties to minimise disruption.

The programme is primarily virtual, allowing participants to join from anywhere. If both parties agree, in-person meetings may be arranged independently.

Yes. All discussions between mentors and mentees are confidential unless there is: -A risk of harm -Illegal activity Participants are expected to maintain professionalism and discretion at all times.

If you feel the mentoring relationship is not progressing effectively: 1. Raise the issue respectfully with your mentor/mentee first. 2. If unresolved, contact the ZiDCEP Mentorship Team. 3. Where appropriate, a rematch may be arranged. We aim to ensure a positive experience for all participants.

At the end of the cohort: -Participants reflect on their initial goals -Feedback is collected -Mentors may receive recognition for their contribution Mentor and mentee may also choose to continue informally by mutual agreement.

Click the button below and complete the short application form. The ZiDCEP Mentorship Team will be in touch following the review process.