BBC: Mentoring Development Programme

In February 2008 the BBC launched the internal Mentoring & Development Programme (MDP). There were six places for disabled employees who were eligible for the programme. All of these places were filled. In 2009, The MDP had six places for disabled staff.

This year, the selection for 2010 has yet to be complete. We have had eight applications from disabled employees, and they will going through to the assessment centre stage.

The Mentoring Development Programme (MDP) is a development scheme for the BBC's brightest and best. It covers five and a half days of development spread over an 18 month period, including additional coaching days and sessions.

Over the years, we've sought proactive ways to increase diversity at senior management level across the BBC. We are aware that black, ethnic minority and disabled staff are currently under-represented at both SM level and higher grades. The purpose of the MDP is to address this. We are taking positive action to develop a pool of BBC leaders and other managers equipped with the competencies and understanding to manage diverse staff and teams in a way that enhances creativity and innovation.

While everyone within specific bands and occupational areas/job families will be eligible to apply, over half the 30 places on the scheme will be for black, ethnic minority and disabled staff; the remaining places are open to all who meet the eligibility criteria.

The MDP also aims to cultivate participants' understanding of diversity as a business issue and give personal experience of working with a diverse group of colleagues.

The Programme is being delivered by the BBC Academy in partnership with the BBC Diversity Centre working alongside external suppliers Capita and Pearn Kandola.