International Leadership Mentoring

Responding to the needs of our members, we have refined the programme to bring together an international cohort of peers, in a community around a single theme of leadership.

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

International Leadership Mentoring Programme

United by a theme of leadership, each participating IIC member will be part of a cohort of their peers.  The process will enable a whole group of IIC members to share their experiences, build professional skillsets and leadership experience, strengthen support networks and achieve career goals. Each participant will also benefit from the support of a mentor as part of a series of three one-to-one mentoring sessions over a two-month period. 

Our mentors are senior sector leaders who have demonstrated clear leadership within the field through skilled advocacy, ethical practice, and a commitment to developing the conservation field through investing in people and talent. This places them in a unique position to support our profession during this unprecedented time.

Whether you are thinking about working as a freelancer, are leading your own private practice, or looking to take the next step as a senior manager or head of department, as a participant in the programme you will be able to test your ideas, gain insights from your mentor’s experience, and develop the confidence to apply this within your context in a community of peers.

How to Apply

To participate in the Leadership Mentoring Programme you will need to confirm your membership status, your current role and organisation (where applicable) and a short covering statement (150 words max) on how you would benefit from participating in the mentoring programme. 

We expect to support a cohort group of between 7-9 members on the 'Pathway to Fellowship' or by exception, individuals and early career members looking to take that next step.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from students, recent graduates or non-members of IIC at this time.

For institutions or small organisations looking for individuals or a small group of staff to take part in the leadership mentoring programme, please contact the IIC Office for further information at iic@iiconservation.org 

Applications for our current mentoring round have closed.

Applications for 2025 will open in February. 

Due to the high interest in the initiative, we have extended the programme to support 2 cohorts per year, supporting up to 30 members. The programme is also guided by Bev Morton and Lucy Hawthorne; two very experienced career coaches and facilitators from My Next Chapter and the Clore Leadership Programme.