The first DevelopHer Mentoring Programme has achieved its goal of providing women with tailored mentorship from key figures in the technology industry to help progress their careers.

Over the course of the programme 60% of the mentees saw a great improvement in their negotiation skills which led to half of them achieving a promotion and half of the others started their own business, initiative within their company or simply started a new course to grow more skills. The programme consisted of expert panels on a variety of topics including negotiation, presentation and leadership skills, alongside speed mentoring sessions.

By providing their time and expert insight, the mentors from leading technology companies such as Google, Unruly, Lloyds Bank and Cult LDN, supported our aims to help raise the visibility of women in technology.

Key stats from the programme include:

• Following a key session from Amplify coach Stewart Bewley, 91% of the mentees report their presentations skills have greatly improved
• With networking opportunities at each mentoring session, 70% of the mentees are now totally at ease with networking
• As a large proportion of the mentees have made significant changes to their careers since the start of the programme, 80% state they would not have achieved what they have without the mentoring programme

The first DevelopHer Mentoring Programme was a great success which the team hopes to emulate for years to come. It would not have been possible without the help and support from the mentors and of course the sponsors Not on the High Street and La Fosse Associates.

Those results were announced officially at a private graduation party hosted at Decoded on the 9th of March, where each of the mentees on the programme presented their own personal journey to Baroness Joanna Shields, our ambassador for this first programme.

Credits: Alessia D’Urso for Girls in Tech UK Mentoring programme

“The digital world is incredible, but it’s our bonds with others that makes us human. Top women championing future leaders, taking on the mantle of role model, mentor and friend makes all the difference.

The fast growing tech industry is well placed to lead the way and encourage more women to reach the top. Mentoring young women is a vital effort in achieving this goal. It’s my privilege to support Girls In Tech [now DevelopHer].”

Baroness Joanna Shields, Minister for Internet Safety and Security, UK Government