Elevate

Elevate is specifically designed to support multi ethnic colleagues with their career aspirations, development and progression.

Our commitment to inclusion, belonging and active anti‑racism underpins this targeted focus, shaped by organisational data that highlights disparities in multi ethnic colleagues’ experiences of career progression and development.

As we continue to review workforce data, we may explore developing additional tailored pathways to support colleagues with other protected characteristics where disparities are identified.

While the Elevate pathway itself is targeted at multi ethnic colleagues, many of the development opportunities within it are also available to all colleagues as standalone offers.

If colleagues who are not from multi ethnic backgrounds are interested in specific development opportunities such as coaching, leadership programmes or career conversations, they are encouraged to contact the Organisational Effectiveness team for further advice and signposting.

Elevate is not a single programme. Colleagues can access the elements of support that best meet their individual needs and career goals.

The pathway includes:

• Access to leadership development programmes
• Reflective practice and action learning sets
• Career conversations, guidance and signposting (including apprenticeship and CPD opportunities)
• Coaching, including interview and application support
• Future opportunities for mentorship
• A support network to connect and learn

Click here to view the Elevate pathway diagram in full screen

Once a colleague’s application to be a member of the pathway has been approved, they will be invited to a short Elevate pathway orientation session. This session will outline how the pathway has been designed, how to access the different elements, and will also provide opportunities to network with peers, hear experiences of guest speakers, and ask any questions.

Line Managers of Elevate members will also be invited to attend an Allyship in Development workshop to outline their role in supporting multi ethnic colleagues with their career progression. Further information has been provided below.

Colleagues do not need to apply for a leadership role to benefit from Elevate – the pathway supports development at different stages of a career journey; whether you’re preparing for your next career step, returning to leadership after a break, or exploring development pathways for the first time.

Managers play a vital role in creating equitable access to development. They can support the pathway by:

• Having open, supportive career conversations
• Encouraging multi ethnic colleagues to explore the Elevate offer
• Discussing development opportunities proactively and consistently
• Familiarising themselves with the pathway through manager briefings and additional resources.

Elevate is a key part of strengthening inclusive career progression across the organisation and ensuring talent is nurtured equitably.

As part of the pathway, we have specifically designed Allyship in Development workshops for managers looking to explore their role in supporting mutli ethnic colleagues' career progression further.

Leaders and managers who directly line manage members of the Elevate pathway will automatically receive an invite to attend this workshop.