Sponsorship Programme

Helping high-potential finance staff from under-represented groups advance within NHS finance.

What is the Sponsorship Programme?

The Sponsorship programme is a reciprocal relationship in which a ‘Sponsor’ (person in a more senior position) can guide and positively impact their Sponsee’s career progression by opening doors to opportunities not necessarily accessible through usual routes and connecting them with other colleagues within their organisation and local systems.

Who is the programme for?

The NHS finance Sponsorship Programme provides career support to high potential finance staff who are from the groups under-represented at all levels within NHS finance. This includes;

female colleagues
individuals of ethnic minorities
individuals with disabilities
individuals that identify to the LGBTQIA+ community

You must identify with one or more of the above characteristics to apply for the programme. Read our FAQ here.

The programme is looking for more Sponsors, by participating, you will not only help others achieve their career aspirations but also gain invaluable insights about yourself. Learn more about becoming a Sponsor here.

Is the Sponsorship programme right for you?

Read our FAQ guide here.

Read FAQs

Programme requirements

The sponsorship relationship requires dedication and attention from both parties. It is the Sponsee’s responsibility to drive the relationship by proactively organising meetings and shaping conversations in line with their career aims. The Sponsor’s role is to give advice, feedback, and provide networking opportunities. The Sponsor must also act as an advocate for their Sponsee, allowing them to access career enhancing opportunities.

Sponsorship is different to mentoring in that a Sponsor is network-and-action orientated, taking mentorship to the next level. While mentoring is generally related to providing advice and guidance around key development areas, a Sponsor is more personally involved in their Sponsee’s next career steps.

Mentors are great and may be more suited to what you are looking for development-wise and this is something you should assess once reading through this information, however a Sponsorship relationship could be the key to your next career move or step-up, as a Sponsor is on the front lines and will tell others that you are the right person for the job!

To find out more and how you can get involved please see the below information.

I’d like to be a sponsee

If you are interested in signing up to the programme as a sponsee, follow the below link to access further documentation and the sign-up form.

Find out more

I’d like to be a sponsor

If you are interested in signing up to the programme as a sponsor, follow the below link to access further documentation about the programme and the sign-up form.

Find out more