The mentoring offer is part of the College’s Aspiring Leaders development programme which is open to all colleagues, but today we’re taking this moment to highlight the unique value of women mentoring women. This initiative is not just about career progression. It’s about belonging, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and creating space for women to grow in a supportive, inclusive environment.
This year marks the College’s first formal cohort of mentors and mentees. Although informal mentoring has happened organically for years, the new structured programme provides training, careful pairing, and ongoing support. Among the first to take part are Paula, Learning Development Manager and trained mentor, and Kirsty, ILR & Audit Officer, and one of the College’s Aspiring Leaders.
Their developing mentoring relationship perfectly captures the spirit of International Women’s Day; women standing beside each other, sharing experience, and ensuring the ladder is never pulled up behind them.
For Paula, becoming a mentor felt like a natural step, having had mentors who helped shape her own career through transitions across the private sector, the NHS, and now into education.
“It’s really important to give back,” she explains. “I could have stayed in my comfort zone, but it was mentors who pushed me and helped me see what I was capable of. Women don’t always get told that. Imposter syndrome holds us back far more than we realise.”
When the College launched its mentoring call‑out, Paula was one of many managers who volunteered.
Mentees were matched based on their goals, strengths, and preferred style of support. For Kirsty, joining the Aspiring Leaders Programme was a chance to invest in herself:
“I wanted to improve my self‑confidence, especially with things like presentations, interviews and public speaking. I’m confident day‑to‑day, but sometimes emotion gets in the way. I wanted someone objective who I could speak to honestly in a safe space.”
She adds that having another woman as her mentor felt important:
“Sometimes you just need someone who understands emotionally. Women carry a lot; at work, at home, everywhere. And you want to feel seen, not judged.”
Both Paula and Kirsty feel strongly about the need for spaces where women can uplift each other.
Women often juggle multiple roles; caring responsibilities, emotional labour, household management, before even stepping into work for the day. Paula explains:
“Most women have a very loud inner critic. We forget the invisible work we’ve already done before 9am. Having a place where women can talk openly, share experiences, and realise they’re not alone is vital.”
Kirsty adds another important dimension:
“As women, we go through things like perimenopause and menopause that affect confidence, memory, and concentration. You need someone who understands that you’re not failing, your body is just changing. It’s reassuring to talk to someone who gets it.”
Together, they highlight how mentoring creates space for authenticity, a core part of Bradford College’s commitment to true inclusivity.
“At the heart of inclusivity is belonging,” Paula says. “A good mentor helps you feel able to be yourself at work, to recognise your strengths, and to grow in the direction you choose.”
While Kirsty and Paula have only just begun their formal mentoring sessions, the impact is already clear.
Kirsty is determined to apply what she’s learned daily:
“One of my goals is to act as a leader in my current role, not wait for a title. The mentoring relationship will help me keep growing, keep applying the skills, and stay focused.”
And despite being the mentor, Paula expects to learn too:
“Every mentoring relationship teaches me something new. It keeps my thinking fresh and reminds me that development never stops.”
Their relationship, like the programme itself, is designed to evolve. Meetings will be arranged every four to six weeks, with open contact in between.
“You’re stuck with me now,” Kirsty jokes.
Paula laughs: “Good! That’s how it should be.”
Both women strongly encourage others to consider taking part, as mentors or mentees.
Paula says,
“Everyone has strengths and experiences worth sharing. Being a mentor not only helps others grow, it helps you grow too.”
Kirsty adds,
“There’s no downside. You gain someone in your corner, someone who listens, guides, and understands. That support network is priceless.”
Paula and Kirsty’s journey is just beginning, but already it reflects the College’s commitment to nurturing talent from within, valuing lived experience, and ensuring every woman feels supported on her path to success.
As Bradford College continues its journey to becoming a truly inclusive employer, programmes like this mentoring initiative are helping to build a culture of belonging, empowerment, and shared leadership.
Click here to explore career opportunities at Bradford College:
https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/about-us/jobs-at-bradford-college/
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