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Different Perspectives. Shared Learning. Making a Difference.

Applications Now Open for the MusicFutures Reciprocal Mentoring Pilot Programme.

MusicFutures is proud to support Liverpool John Moores University’s proven Reciprocal Mentoring Programme, bringing together senior leaders from music sector organisations across the Liverpool City Region with people from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.

The pilot creates a two-way, equal learning partnership designed to strengthen inclusive leadership, broaden perspectives and drive meaningful change across the music sector.

Unlike traditional mentoring, reciprocal mentoring recognises that everyone has something to learn and something to share. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, challenge assumptions, develop new perspectives and work together to create more inclusive organisations and creative industries.

Participants are matched with a senior leader from across the music sector, creating a unique opportunity to share perspectives, increase understanding and influence positive changes within organisations and the wider sector. Each pair meets monthly over an 8-month period, supported by four facilitated workshops. It is a fantastic opportunity to access high-quality continuing professional development (CPD), expand your network and contribute to a more inclusive creative industries ecosystem.

Who is the programme for?

We are looking for music freelancers and/or micro-businesses from diverse communities across the Liverpool City Region to take part in the pilot and to pair with senior managers from the music sector.

The programme runs from October 2026 to May 2027.

Programme Objectives

• Help senior managers understand challenges faced by underrepresented groups.
• Equip managers with tools to address these challenges in their organisations.
• Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for diverse staff.

Benefits for Participants

Taking part offers a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development.

Participants will be able to:

• Build a meaningful partnership with a senior leader and help shape more inclusive organisational cultures.
• Gain insight into leadership, decision-making processes and organisational dynamics.
• Develop confidence in communicating your experiences, perspectives and ideas.
• Access career advice, mentoring, networking opportunities and professional development support.
• Expand your professional network across the Liverpool City Region creative sector.
• Develop leadership skills and increase confidence in pursuing future career opportunities.
• Contribute to positive, long-term change for underrepresented communities within the creative industries.

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“I had almost ‘left the table’ as a result of experiences of structural racism in this city in 2023/2024. The LJMU Reciprocal Mentoring programme and my mentee gave me renewed hope and passion to challenge injustice and showed me despite my recent experiences, I am valued and absolutely worthy of my seat at the table.”

— Previous Reciprocal Mentoring Programme participant

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Organisational Benefits for Senior Managers

Reciprocal mentoring also provides significant benefits for senior leaders and their organisations.

The programme can help organisations to:

• Improve recruitment and retention of diverse talent.
• Break barriers to progression into senior leadership roles.
• Foster a more inclusive and representative workforce.

How the programme works

• One-to-One Mentorship: An 8 month-long exchange of insights and experiences.
• Monthly Meetings: Flexible schedules with a minimum of one meeting per month.
• Four facilitated workshops to support learning and growth.
• Collaborative Goals: Create meaningful long-term change.
• Evaluation and Growth: Learnings will be used to improve staff experiences.

Time Commitment

Participants should be able to commit to:

• Mentoring pairs meet once per month throughout the programme for a minimum of one hour.
• Participants also attend four facilitated workshops.
• Each workshop requires approximately three hours: two-hour session plus one-hour networking lunch.
• Workshops 1-3 are delivered separately for senior leaders and diverse participants, with both groups brought together for a shared networking lunch.
• The final workshop brings all participants together for a joint learning session and networking opportunity.
• All workshops will be held in Liverpool.

*Out of pocket expenses can be covered.

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How to Get Involved:

Complete the online application form by clicking on the link below.

MusicFutures Reciprocal Mentoring Project Application Form

Together, we can unlock the full potential of leadership through the power of reciprocal mentoring.

For further info contact InclusiveMentoring@ljmu.ac.uk or 0151 9041528.

[1] For the purposes of this programme, diverse backgrounds refers to people with protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.