International Leadership Mentoring | International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

international leadership mentoring programme

In an ever changing world and responding to the needs of our members, we have further refined the programme to bring together an international cohort of peers, in a community around a single theme of leadership with group sessions guided by expert facilitator and leadership coach, Dr Claire Antrobus.

We believe this is important to the changes that conservators and cultural heritage professionals face, both now and over the next few years, which are going to be among the most challenging – and interesting – in our history. We are committed to helping our members develop their potential, advance their careers, achieve their career goals, and ultimately grow as future leaders.

"It is all the more essential that we equip a new generation of our members to become leaders – confident about responding to change, but also bringing flair, courage and imaginative thinking to the big societal issues that affect the profession"
Sarah Stannage, IIC Executive Director

A Cohort Based Programme

This mentoring programme provides a cohort-based experience that combines 1-1 mentoring with a sector leader with meaningful peer engagement. Alongside your mentoring sessions, you will participate in two dedicated group sessions that will happen at the beginning and the end of the programme, guided by Dr Claire Antrobus, a professional leadership coach, and designed to foster shared leadership, mutual support, and collective reflection.

This cohort-based structure ensures that you are not navigating your experience alone. Instead, you will become part of a supportive professional space that promotes both personal and professional growth and development. Engaging with your peers will not only provide a sense of community but will also connect you with those who face similar challenges in the conservation field. This network will serve as valuable resource, offering encouragement, shared learning and hopefully lasting relationships that extend beyond the programme.

Programme Timeline

Our upcoming mentoring round will run from April 2025 to September 2025.

First group session will take place on Wednesday 9 April from 12.00pm – 1.00pm (BST/UK Time) and will be your chance to connect with your cohort and share in your experiences. It will also be a time to understand and set up your objectives for your leadership journey and for the programme.
Your 1-1 mentoring sessions will take place between May and August 2025.
Final group session will take place on Tuesday 2 September from 12.00pm – 1.00pm (GMT/UK Time) and will be a space to reflect on your time on the programme.

Please ensure you can attend the two group sessions before applying as they are mandatory to the programme.

How to apply

To participate in the Leadership Mentoring Programme you will need to complete this application form here and submit a short statement (200 words max) containing your background and experience (education, work experience, relevant skills) and a covering statement (500 words max) on how you would benefit from participating in the programme and your goals for your leadership journey.

Eligibility

We expect to support a cohort group of between 7-9 members on the 'Pathway to Fellowship' or by exception, Individual members or Individuals from Institutions or Small Organisations who are members of IIC, looking for leadership development opportunities and to take that next step in their career.

Due to the high interest in the initiative, we have extended the programme to support 2 cohorts per year. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from student and early career members or non-members of IIC at this time.

Join our Pathway to Fellowship

To become a Pathway member, please see our membership page here.

If you are already an IIC member, but wish to update your membership, then please do get in touch with the IIC Office at iic@iiconservation.org

Please contact Ellie Sweetnam if you have any questions or would like further information at ellie.sweetnam@iiconservation.org