Overview
Why a toolkit for sponsors?
Participants in Diversifying Leadership are expected to engage and work with a sponsor throughout and beyond the programme. Sponsors, in addition to passing on knowledge and advice similarly to mentors also use their seniority and organisational capital to actively advocate and ‘open doors’ to promote their protégés’ careers. While sponsors (in addition to mentors and champions) have made a pivotal contribution to the success of programmes like Aurora, sponsors for the Diversifying Leadership programme, so far, can find establishing a positive and productive cross-cultural relationship with their protégés rewarding but challenging.
The Sponsor Toolkit is an additional resource for sponsors, consisting of web-based materials and interactive support. It has been made available to ensure sponsors have a better understanding of the specific issues facing BAME early career leaders and are confident to carry out their role in championing them. The toolkit is informed by relevant academic literature and best practice on sponsorship and the experience and development of aspiring BAME leaders.
Wider stakeholder groups such as mentors, line mangers, EDI professionals and senior leaders who play a complementary role in leadership development will also find the toolkit informative and are welcome and encouraged to access this resource as appropriate.