Innovative mentoring programme transforms leadership

A groundbreaking mentoring initiative at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reshaping workplace culture and transforming leadership in a bid to attract and retain the workforce that truly reflects and improves care for local people.

The Transformational Reciprocal Mentoring Scheme, which brought together managers from diverse backgrounds and seniority levels, has sparked meaningful conversations and driven real change across the organisations.

16 individuals participated in this pioneering programme, designed to foster deeper understanding of people, and create a culture where everyone’s voice is heard, and people feel confident to share their ideas for change.

The scheme paired colleagues from diverse backgrounds, roles, and seniority levels, enabling open and honest conversations about lived experiences, systemic challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Felicity Cox, chief executive at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, reflected on the programme’s impact:

“If we are to deliver for local people, it is imperative that we have the leaders in place to drive transformation. To do this effectively, we need to listen, understand and provide safe workplaces for creativity to foster.

“The Transformation Reciprocal Mentoring Scheme has been revelatory. It has provided insights and opened conversations where people now feel confident to bring their lived experiences to the fore. It’s these perspectives and ideas we need if we are to truly serve each other and local people.”

Kathy Nelson, programme director for community and mental health services and a participant in the mentoring scheme, said:

“This initiative demonstrated that true inclusion isn’t just about policies or strategies—it’s about the everyday conversations that shape our culture. When people feel truly heard and valued, the impact is transformative not just for the workforce, but for the services we deliver and the people whose health and wellbeing lie in our hands.

“While the formal programme is ending, its influence will continue to resonate. The scheme has reinforced the principle that workplace culture, openness and inclusion is an ongoing journey, requiring continuous effort and commitment.”

David Carter, chief executive of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“This programme has been truly transformative. Hearing from colleagues has made me reflect deeply on the environment we create for colleagues. When people feel valued and psychologically safe, they bring their best ideas forward, challenge the status quo, and drive the kind of creative, transformational thinking we need as we reset and adapt to new challenges.

“Now, more than ever we need to think beyond traditional ways of working – by including what we have heard from the programme we can build the foundation for a more innovative, and resilient health system.”