Overview
Creative Access partnered with world-renowned brand strategists Ogilvy UK to devise and deliver the first cohort of its Borderless Mentoring Programme, aimed at boosting retention and progression of Ogilvy UK staff from under-represented backgrounds within the company in order to impact retention, confidence and progression.
Approach
Individuals from Ogilvy UK’s enterprise resource planning groups (ERGs) were invited to apply for the mentoring programme, with individuals approached and nominated from across the business to participate in the programme. A cohort of 20 staff from historically marginalised backgrounds were nominated by leadership at Ogilvy and matched with senior level mentors from outside their sector. Partnerships began in October 2023 and ran for 6 months of virtual mentoring until April 2024. The joint aim was to use mentoring as a tool to improve mentee confidence, knowledge, optimism for career progression as well as expanding contacts & networks.
Ogilvy x Creative Access Borderless Mentoring mentorIt’s been enlightening and rewarding. I’d recommend it to peers from under-represented backgrounds. Representation matters—we need to be seen & heard!
Impact
Campaign measurement indicates 100% of surveyed mentee respondents agreed the mentoring programme had boosted their confidence, with 75% agreeing it had made them more optimistic about opportunities for career progression open to them. 72% of respondents also agreed the mentoring programme improved their knowledge and skills they need to progress their career in the creative economy. The programme wrapped with a celebration event – hosted at Ogilvy UK HQ – that brought mentees and mentors together in person to celebrate the success of the programme and provide a platform to highlight individual achievements.
I’ve valued gaining insights & points of view from outside our company. And I really enjoyed working with & learned a lot from my mentor – it’s been so valuable to my career.
