Compass Group UK & Ireland has introduced a ‘Mentor Up’ programme to help create a shared understanding of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for colleagues from ethnic minority groups.

The six-month programme partners senior leaders (mentees) with individuals from ethnic minority groups (mentors). Participants share their experiences, perspectives and knowledge to broaden and deepen their awareness of themselves and others.

The main aims of the programme are:

The programme provides a safe space for open conversations between participants focused on mutual learning, respect and creating a way forward together. The initial cohort included 13 people and a second group from across the business is now taking part.

Earlier this year, Compass Group UK & Ireland launched its Social Promise which commits to bolstering opportunities for one million people by 2030. It includes gender, ethnic minority and the industry’s first socio-economic representation targets across its executive team, middle management, junior management and frontline roles.