Building on compelling evidence that demonstrates mentoring's impact on both individual growth and organisational success, this programme represents a sector-wide commitment to nurturing the next generation of housing professionals.

The Evidence Base for Change

The case for structured mentoring in housing has never been clearer. Research from Gallup's comprehensive 2022 survey of over 8,000 working adults reveals that employees with mentors are more than twice as likely to believe their organisation provides clear career development pathways. This support translates into tangible benefits: mentored employees are twice as likely to be engaged at work and an impressive 98% more likely to recommend their organisation as an excellent workplace.

The business case is equally compelling. Enterprise Nation and Newable's 2022 'mentoring-matters-report' found that 66% of UK businesses credit mentoring as crucial to their survival, while 76% believe it's vital for growth. These statistics underscore why forward-thinking housing associations are increasingly viewing mentoring not as a nice-to-have benefit, but as a strategic imperative.

Introducing the NHMF Informal Mentoring Programme

The NHMF 'Training, Skills & Culture' working group is rolling out comprehensive guidance for housing associations seeking to establish six-month informal mentoring programmes specifically targeting early-career professionals within their organisations. This initiative goes beyond traditional top-down mentoring models, embracing diverse approaches including reverse mentoring and peer-to-peer support.

The first step is to identify stakeholders in HR, Comms and in Senior Leadership to ensure Executive sponsorship, and find potential mentors within interested housing associations that want to benefit from the implementation of existing mentoring best practices and via feedback mechanisms, overseen by the NHMF, play their part in the evolution and refinement of future best practices in this field.

Optional roundtables throughout the duration of the mentoring and a final showcase event where both mentors and mentees can celebrate the progress made allows both the participants and stakeholders to learn from the wider experiences of individuals in other organisations in the social housing sector also partnering with us in this endeavour.

Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives like Peabody's Reverse Mentoring Pilot, which paired junior staff with senior leaders to share insights on diversity and inclusion, the programme recognises that knowledge flows in multiple directions. Similarly, the Chartered Institute of Housing's member-to-member mentoring demonstrates how peer mentoring can provide fresh perspectives and career guidance from colleagues at similar organisational levels.

Programme Structure and Approach

The programme centres on early-career professionals including graduates, apprentices, and junior officers across all housing disciplines - from asset management and tenancy services to compliance and building safety. The approach is deliberately flexible and low-pressure, avoiding rigid KPIs while maintaining focus on building confidence, sector knowledge, and career direction.

Recruitment and Engagement

Mentor recruitment draws from experienced professionals across the housing spectrum, utilising internal communications, LinkedIn networks, and sector organisations like CIH and the Housing Diversity Network. The application process captures participants' interests, career goals, and preferred mentoring styles to ensure effective pairing.

Smart Matching Process

Central to the programme's success is thoughtful matching based on shared interests, career aspirations, and lived experience. Take Neil Watts, Group Director of Asset Compliance and Building Safety at Peabody Trust, whose mentor profile exemplifies this approach. With 18 years of experience spanning contractor and client roles, Neil offers mentoring specifically for professionals seeking to lead in building safety, compliance culture, and client-contractor relationships. His honest, reflective, and action-driven style, built on trust as the foundation of professional relationships, demonstrates how mentors can offer both technical expertise and leadership insights.

Importantly, the programme maintains flexibility - if initial pairings don't feel right, mentees can switch mentors without stigma, ensuring genuine compatibility and productive relationships.

Structured Yet Flexible Framework

The programme suggests 4-6 sessions over six months, with mentees encouraged to set goals and lead agendas. This mentee-driven approach ensures relevance while developing initiative and self-advocacy skills. Sessions follow a simple structure: check-ins, focused discussion on specific career goals or challenges, and wrap-up with agreed next steps.

Beyond Individual Sessions

While one-to-one mentoring forms the programme's core, optional group activities enhance the experience. Informal networking events and roundtables featuring guest speakers from across the housing sector provide broader sector insights and peer connections. These touchpoints help create a supportive community extending beyond individual mentor-mentee relationships.

Implementation and Support

The programme launches through a structured four-phase approach. Initial planning involves identifying stakeholders across HR, communications, and senior leadership to ensure executive sponsorship. The recruitment phase leverages multiple channels to attract diverse participants, while the launch includes comprehensive onboarding packs with guides, session templates, and clear contact points. Midway check-ins monitor progress and gather feedback, ensuring the programme evolves to meet participants' needs. This iterative approach, overseen by the NHMF, allows participating housing associations to benefit from existing best practices while contributing to the field's evolution through feedback mechanisms.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward

The programme culminates in a showcase event where mentors and mentees celebrate progress and share experiences. This celebration serves multiple purposes: recognising achievements, inspiring future participants, and creating opportunities for cross-organisational learning within the social housing sector.

Success stories and testimonials are captured and shared through newsletters and social media, building momentum for future cohorts while demonstrating the programme's impact on both individuals and organisations.

A Sector-Wide Commitment

This mentoring initiative represents more than individual career development - it embodies the social housing sector's commitment to its future workforce. By sharing knowledge, building confidence, and creating supportive professional networks, the programme helps ensure the sector continues attracting and retaining the talent needed to address the UK's housing challenges.

Through this collaborative approach, the NHMF 'Training, Skills & Culture' working group is fostering a culture where mentoring becomes embedded in the sector's DNA, creating lasting benefits for individuals, organisations, and ultimately, the communities they serve.

Ready to Transform Career Development in Your Organisation?

Whether you're a housing association leader interested in implementing our mentoring framework, or an experienced professional ready to share your expertise as a mentor, we want to hear from you. The NHMF 'Training, Skills & Culture' Working Group is actively seeking partners to roll out this best practice mentoring programme across the social housing sector.

Contact Neil Watts or Chris Patient from our 'Training, Skills & Culture' working group today to discover how your organisation can benefit from our comprehensive guidance and support, or how you can help shape the next generation of housing professionals.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of sector-wide transformation.