MusicFutures Reciprocal Mentoring Pilot Programme
Different Perspectives. Shared Learning. Making a Difference. MusicFutures is proud to support Liverpool John Moores University’s proven Reciprocal Mentoring Programme. The pilot programme pairs senior leaders from music sector organisations across the Liverpool City Region with people from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds in a two-way equal learning partnership designed to strengthen inclusive leadership and drive meaningful change.
MusicFutures is proud to support Liverpool John Moores University’s proven Reciprocal Mentoring Programme. The pilot programme pairs senior leaders from music sector organisations across the Liverpool City Region with people from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds[1] in a two-way equal learning partnership designed to strengthen inclusive leadership and drive meaningful change. Unlike traditional mentoring, reciprocal mentoring offers both participants the chance to learn from and support each other.
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.
We are seeking music freelancers and/or micro-businesses from diverse communities across the Liverpool City Region to pair with Senior Managers in the music sector for our pilot programme. This programme starts in October 2026 and runs until May 2027.
[1] For the purposes of this programme, diverse backgrounds refers to people with protected characteristics, as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
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
- 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.
Organisational Benefits for Senior Managers
- Improve recruitment and retention of diverse talent.
- Break barriers to progression into senior leadership roles.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Call Opens
1st September 2026
Call Deadline
18th September 2026
Who it’s for
We are seeking music freelancers and/or micro-businesses from diverse communities across the Liverpool City Region to pair with Senior Managers in the music sector for our pilot programme.
Project delivery
This programme starts in October 2026 and runs until May 2027.
Location requirement
Liverpool City Region
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