We have a pivotal role to play in the development of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background leaders, and particularly those at a point of transition to executive leadership or board level. Building on the success of our REACH Programme for high-potential civil servants with a disability, we are proud to launch STEP, a holistic coaching, development and career development programme offering for individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
We seek to build long term partnerships with our clients, helping nurture their upcoming diverse talent, and supporting them in their self-development, interviewing and presentation skills, and networking with like-minded professionals across a range of sectors to which they would not normally be exposed.
What is unique about the programme?
More than just a coaching programme, candidates are part of a holistic programme which arms them with the tools to really understand their strengths and areas of development, both psychologically and in practice. Participants have access to a highly experienced group of senior search consultants, who will provide practical feedback on how to best navigate their next career development stage. They also become part of a network of diverse, cross-sector professionals, where they will participate in webinars, seminars and networking events further broadening their contacts and perspectives.
Components of the STEP Mentoring Programme
Assessment
Participants undertake a psychometric assessment and development interview at the outset of the programme, to quickly establish real depth of shared insight between both parties. Individuals will reflect on their behaviours, how others perceive them, and gives insight into their level of self-awareness. It also highlights natural strengths and areas to develop, considering how their natural tendencies, inclinations and behaviours fit with the requirements of their current and, importantly, future roles.
Coaching
Drawing on the insights gleaned through psychometric assessment, a series of confidential, tailored coaching sessions with one of our in-house psychologists builds participants’ self-awareness, exploring behavioural tendencies and motivations and the goals they are working towards, and working through specific topics and priorities.
In parallel, the individual will be paired with a coach or mentor, who has relevant experience in their background to support the work that the individual would like to focus on. Saxton Bampfylde are delighted to be partnering with a number leading coaches and mentors: these individuals have operated in a broad range of sectors and leadership position, and as such are able to drawn upon a range of personal and professional experiences.
Focusing on their own development in a confidential environment, individuals are able to determine their values, the culture they will seek to create as a leader, where and how they naturally perform best, areas to improve and how to maximise the impact of their development. Individuals usually participate in six sessions, spaced across 8 to 12 months.
Consultant guidance: debunking the myth of executive search
Crucial to the practical development of programme participants is their one-to-one access to our executive search consultants. Participants are invited for mock interviews with our consulting team, to analyse and hone their presentation and interviewing technique. Consultants will take time to and provide advice and guidance on CV layout and content and offer insights on the perspective of hiring organisations and what to expect from recruitment processes at the level to which they are aspiring.
Networking
Another unique aspect of STEP is the exposure to a broad network of like-minded individuals. All participants gain access to regular networking events: these are often in the form of topic-specific roundtables, events and webinars facilitated by Saxton Bampfylde, where senior leaders are convened to discuss prominent issues, challenges and topics in their industries and organisations. These events provide a forum for up and coming talent from diverse backgrounds to be exposed to peers and leaders in other sectors, and participate in key debates.
Find out more
If you would be interested in the STEP programme for your organisation please drop us an email or call +44 (0)20 7227 0800